German outfit Mercedes GP joined the other teams at Valencia today to unveil the MGP W02 to the world. Highly billed after the disappointment of last years car, the car was released today shortly before the first testing session of the year. Present to pull off the covers were drivers Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg. Mercedes are confident in this years challenger having spent most of last year focusing on it when it became apparent that the 2010 car wasn't up to speed. Mercedes have decided to include the KERS device, along with most other teams, which should add another element to the speed of the car. (All images provided with kind permission of mercedes-gp.com)Team principal Ross Brawn said that development on the W02 has been long but is confident the results will be well worth the effort put in. "After our first year as the Mercedes-Benz works team, we are now seeing the benefits of our chassis group and our engine group working well together. With a good technical structure and a strengthened race engineering organisation, both at the factory and the race track, I am confident that we have done and will continue to do a better job this year in all key areas." No doubt he refers to the fact that last years car was developed amid the financial strain of Brawn GP, and most of the Mercedes staff only joining the team late in the year. Having them together all last year focusing on this years car can only lead to a more promising season ahead.
Seven time world champion Michael Schumacher also seemed more confident in this years car following a disappointing 2010. This was put down to a lack of grip from the Bridgestone tyres with Schumacher favouring a car with more oversteer than what was given to him. Speaking at the launch he said "We have said it several times already but again, we are really to building up something big together. I am very confident that this season we will be standing on the podium much more regularly.". Reports are that the Pirelli tyres do indeed provide more front end grip which can only benefits Schumachers chances.
Fellow driver Nico Rosberg echoed his teammates words, by describing their targets as "aggressive" and stating that "We want to be competing at the front and challenging for race wins". After a somewhat successful year last year, Rosberg appears keen to take the next step. And following statements in the last couple of months by Brawn stating his belief that Rosberg is indeed a future race winner and likely champion, seeing him in a competitive car in 2011 can only bring excitement to all fans of Formula 1.
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