Ross Brawn says he’s pleased with progress at Mercedes over recent weeks but admits once again that the true form of the W04 will only become apparent in Melbourne.
Mercedes ended the Barcelona test at the top of the time sheets, but Brawn is under no illusions.
“The start of a new F1 season is always an intense but exciting time for the team,” said Brawn in a team preview. “Our factories in Brackley and Brixworth have been buzzing with activity with both Nico and Lewis visiting to complete their final preparations on the simulator, and the team working to finish the cars, engines and pack the freight for the four flyaway races coming up.
“The first race is where we can really begin to assess our competitive position and how much of a step forward we have made with our new Silver Arrow. We had a successful pre-season testing programme and personally, I am pleased with the progress we have made, both with the car and in terms of how we operate as a team.
“However, testing is simply that; racing is a completely different situation and Melbourne will see much higher track temperatures and more varied conditions than we have experienced so far.”
Meanwhile Toto Wolff added: “When it comes to starting a new season, it’s only facts that count – everything else is simply speculation. The facts are that we had a good winter test programme, completed the second highest mileage of any team and made some good progress. Lewis and Nico are working well together and there is a positive dynamic in the team, from the factory to the track.
“So we head to Australia well prepared. But we know, too, that we will be running in very different temperatures, on a different track surface and that every team will have to finally lay their cards on the table in qualifying on Saturday. Only then can we have a first indication of where we stand in terms of performance. It may sound clichéd but our goal is simply to perform as well as possible.”
Adam Cooper F1 