Mercedes already on pole as team is first to fire up of 2022 car

Mercedes has pipped all its rivals by a considerable margin to be the first team to fire up its 2022 contender.

F1 teams usually bring their car to life in January as they ramp up preparations for pre-season testing, but Mercedes ignited its W13 well ahead of schedule.

That's a pretty good albeit unsurprising indication that the reigning world champions are well on top of things at Brackely regarding the production of their all-new car, designed to the specifications of Formula 1's new regulations.

Read also: Ferrari to unveil 2022 contender in mid-February

As usual, the short video posted on social media offered no detail of Mercedes' 2022 car that will be raced by Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.

As a reminder, pre-season testing next season will include six days split between Barcelona and Bahrain.

Teams will take to the track at the Circuit de Catalunya on February 23-25, and then resume testing at Sakhir on March 11-13.

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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.