Ross Brawn joins Toto Wolff and the Merc drivers. Photo: AC
Ross Brawn says that the new Mercedes W04 represents a clear step forward relative to last year’s car, which won a race but ultimately proved disappointing.
“2013 marks the start of a second era for our Silver Arrows works team,” said Brawn. “The restructuring we undertook at the team over the past 18 months are now growing in maturity and this is reflected in the F1 W04, which is a clear step forward in design and detail sophistication over its predecessor.
“Many thousands of hours of work have been invested by our technical teams in Brackley and Brixworth to ensure that the new car delivers a step change in performance compared to last season. We are also hugely proud to welcome Lewis to the team as a works Mercedes-Benz driver.
“With Lewis and Nico, we have what I believe to be the strongest driver line-up in Formula One and I know that a healthy level of competition between them both will help drive the team forward.”
Adam Cooper's F1 Blog 
Yes, Ross, it’s the “second era” where Niki Lauda second guesses everything you do and then whispers his opinion into the ears of the Merc Board of Directors behind your back – a Board that’s still not at all sure it should be messing with F1 at all. Good luck with that. A double championship is sure to come out of THAT environment for sure!
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