It is expected that Formula 1's current dominant force will pick up where it left off as it sets up shop in Barcelona this week. But Mercedes' technical director Paddy Lowe will also watch with interest what rival teams will have drafted during the three week break since Bahrain.
"The first European race is traditionally seen as the first major upgrade point of the season," commented Lowe in the team's official preview. In practice, recent years have seen car upgrades become more of a constant and relentless campaign throughout the year. We may see a little more than usual after the three-week gap, however, so it will be interesting to see what each team brings to the table."
When it comes to the Spanish Grand Prix venue, teams will enjoy a level playing field in Barcelona on a track typically devoted to winter F1 testing as Low reminded.
"Barcelona is one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar, testing both chassis and power unit, and it’s often said that if you’re quick here, you’ll be quick anywhere. We looked strong during winter testing – but time has passed, teams will have developed their cars significantly in the subsequent weeks and we’ll now see much warmer temperatures, so we don’t know how we’ll look until we get there. That’s part of the excitement of Formula One!"
In any case, it will be somewhat of a fresh start next weekend as F1 embarks on a European leg of the championship interrupted only by the hop across the Atlantic to Canada.
"It feels like a long but well-needed break since Bahrain, having barely had more than a week’s gap between events since the pre-season programme began. This has given us time to reflect, regroup and pick up on what we’ve learned in the first part of the year."
Click here for a look at the radical Honda power unit design
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