Mercedes moves stealthily before Barcelona

The Mercedes AMG team is the team that covered the most laps during the Mugello tests. Michael Schumacher expressed his satisfaction with the work done during these tests: «After completing our testing program at Mugello, we will now begin the European season this weekend in Barcelona. The positive aspect of these tests was that we were truly able to focus on the developments we hope to implement. This has provided us with a good foundation for future innovations, even if it may not be for the next race.»

Nico Rosberg is also happy with the work done, but he knows there is still a lot to do in Barcelona even though the Circuit de Catalunya is a familiar track: The Mugello tests this week have been very positive for us, and I think we’re arriving in Barcelona with a much better understanding of the tires and how we need to set up our car. Despite the familiarity of this circuit, there will still be a lot of work to do, and it should be a great challenge to take on.

Ross Brawn, the director of the German team, also expressed satisfaction with the Mugello tests, which allowed Mercedes to work on its weaknesses: “After a tumultuous start to the season with four races and then the Mugello tests, we are all eagerly awaiting the start of the European season. The team had a good week in Italy for these tests, and we were able to work on the problems that affected us in the first races of the season and on evaluating planned developments for the upcoming races.”

After successful testing in Italy, Nico Rosberg approaches the Spanish Grand Prix quite confidently even though the Barcelona track will once again present its share of challenges: I’m really looking forward to this weekend and racing in Europe again. It’s quite unique to return to a circuit where we have covered so many laps during winter testing, however, the race weekend will be a totally different challenge.

Ross Brawn hopes that this first European Grand Prix will be an opportunity for Mercedes to continue its momentum by securing good results once again: Spain hosts the first European race, and even though the Circuit de Catalunya is very familiar to the entire team and our drivers, the weekend will bring its share of challenges. I think we are continuing to make progress, and we will obviously work very hard to maintain this momentum.

If Brawn and Rosberg seem quite optimistic, this is not the case for Michael Schumacher, who believes that the Circuit de Catalunya should not suit the F1 W03: «Barcelona is a circuit where we have driven a lot, and that’s why we know its characteristics should not be in our favor. But whatever, we will go there and do our best while continuing to work on our updates.»