Photo credit: Mercedes GP Petronas
Mercedes have confirmed they will be launching their new Formula 1 car, the F1 W03, at the second test which takes place at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona next week. The car will be unveiled to the media in the pit-lane on 21st February, on the morning of the first day of the second test week.
After racing their 2011 car at the first test in Jerez, and topping the timing sheets on two consecutive days, the team will be hoping their 2012 car can continue this pace and give the team a decent start to the 2012 season.
With the team opting for more design time on their 2012 car and a later release date, the team will be hoping the gamble pays off, otherwise they’ll be on the back foot as the 2012 season gets underway.
Mercedes will alternate their drivers throughout the second test, with Michael Schumacher driving on Day 1, before handing over to Nico Rosberg for Day 2. Schumacher then returns for Day 3 before once again handing over to his team-mate Nico Rosberg for the 4th and final day of testing.
Marussia and HRT are the only two teams apart from Mercedes who haven’t launched their cars yet, with Marussia making their first appearance of 2012 at the second test next week.
