Brawn says Mercedes GP’s first test was ‘productive and busy’
Mercedes driver Michael Schumacher, pictured at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal in 2011
THE first Formula 1 pre-season test in Jerez was “productive and busy” for Mercedes GP, despite the Brackley-based squad not yet fielding its 2012 car, according to team principal Ross Brawn.
With the new car not due to be unveiled until the next test in Barcelona next week, drivers Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg spent three days in last season’s car, learning the behaviour of the 2012 Pirelli tyres, while accumulating mileage on test items for the new season.
Speaking at the end of the test Brawn said: “We have had a productive and busy three days in Jerez running the MGP W02 car for the final time.
“Simultaneously the final preparations have been taking place back at the factory for the first test with our 2012 car in Barcelona.
“Michael and Nico have been able to complete some valuable mileage this week, and enhanced our understanding of the new season’s Pirelli tyres, which will prove very useful once the new car is on track.”
Both Schumacher and Rosberg hailed the test – in which each topped the notoriously-inconclusive time sheets on days two and three respectively – a success.
Rosberg said: “I’m happy with the testing we have achieved here in Jerez, and we learned a lot about the Pirelli tyres and a few other things for the new car.
“You can’t really compare the lap times with other teams, but it was interesting to learn a lot with our 2011 car.
“Now I’m really looking forward to the two Barcelona tests with our new Silver Arrow.”
Schumacher said: “After a long break it feels terrific being back in the car and hitting the circuit again.
“It was a good and productive test, full of lots of useful information for the season ahead, and I am now looking forward to driving our 2012 car for the first time at the next test.”
The team’s 2012 car, the F1 W03, will make its debut next Tuesday in Barcelona.
Meanwhile Mercedes has announced an extension to its sponsorship agreement with Swiss financial institution MIG BANK for a further two years.
Commenting on the announcement Brawn said: “After three successful years working together, MIG BANK has been able to utilise the global platform provided by the team and Formula 1 to raise its profile and strengthen its brand.
“We look forward to continuing our excellent working relationship together over the coming seasons.”
Hisham Mansour, CEO and founder of MIG BANK, said: “We are extremely pleased to renew our partnership with the Mercedes team and to continue the excellent relationship which started back in 2009.
“Driven by our common passion for performance and technology, this partnership reflects our forward-looking spirit and illustrates our solidity, continuous growth and dynamism.
“The Mercedes-Benz brand symbolises quality and innovation, which are values we share and seek to exemplify globally.
“By renewing our partnership with Mercedes we want to continue to strengthen our brand and keep the momentum building on our successful track record.”
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