Mercedes fires up its 2019 W10 for the first time!

The Mercedes AMG F1 team posted on Twitter audio of its first fire-up of its 2019 championship contender.

The Silver Arrows outfit - which could be launched with a camouflage livery motif if its recent teasing efforts are anything to go by - will unveil its new W10 online next Wednesday on February 13.

The Mercedes V6 hybrid turbo power engine comes to life in the following 47-second audio clip.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.