Rosberg: “The first impressions are good”

Even though the Mercedes F1 W03 was only presented this morning, Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg were able to hit the track as of Sunday, thereby making up for the Friday in Jerez during which the German team had not run.

« I did a few laps on Sunday and the first impressions are generally good. It’s a very positive start, everything is working as expected. I’m happy to enter the season, the atmosphere is good, everyone is very motivated to improve the car and the team, » explains Nico Rosberg to the journalists present in Barcelona.

The main change compared to last season is the ban on the blown diffuser, which caused so much trouble for Red Bull’s rivals. This regulation change does have consequences for the behavior of the 2012 single-seaters, particularly in terms of traction.

Pirelli tires will also be a bit different. One year after its return, the Italian manufacturer has made some modifications to its range. The gap between the different specifications will be less significant than last year. That’s why Mercedes was in Jerez with the old car, to evaluate Pirelli’s new products. This has been useful, everything we have learned we can apply to the new car, it’s a good thing.

Even though she was able to discover the 2012 tires, the Mercedes AMG team will not have as much track time as its competitors with its new car. This decision was carefully considered and judging by the first laps, it does not worry Nico Rosberg.

« Not particularly worried, we were prepared for this and there are no concerns about it at the moment. Apparently, it was the right decision, there don’t seem to be any major issues with the car, » analyzes the German driver in the Barcelona paddock.

World champion when it was called Brawn GP in 2009, the team has been somewhat disappointing since its acquisition by the German manufacturer. The stated objective with the F1 W03 is to make progress, but Rosberg refuses to make any numerical predictions regarding the team’s ambition this season.

« We need to make progress. Within the team, things are going better, the organization is better, people are working better together. I have a good feeling. What this will translate to in terms of results and positions, I don’t know yet, but we can do it. Securing podiums would be great, but the goal is to move forward with the team.

Impossible to run into Nico Rosberg in the paddock without mentioning Michael Schumacher. Last year, the gap between Rosberg and his illustrious teammate was significantly less than in 2010, but once again, nothing that worries Nico.

« It’s true that he was stronger last year, but the rule changes have helped him a lot. It will be tight and exciting, but I think I could stay ahead, » concluded the Mercedes driver, who will take the steering wheel of the F1 W03 tomorrow and Friday.

From our correspondent in Barcelona.