Nico Rosberg says he is raring to “unleash” the full potential of the new Mercedes W07 at this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix.
The double world champions did not chase outright performance in pre-season testing, electing instead to focus on securing as much mileage as possible with their latest challenger. Flashes of Mercedes’ potential were nonetheless apparent when the team first ran on the Pirelli soft tyre and Rosberg immediately topped the timesheets.
Having already said “we know where we are” in the pecking order, the German is ready to deliver the goods in Melbourne and confident it will set up Mercedes nicely for another successful season.
“This is always a massively exciting time of year,” Rosberg said. “Testing is important, of course. But what every driver really looks forward to is unleashing a new car flat out for the first time. I'm already itching to get back out there - getting to know our latest Silver Arrow and pushing on, making progress with it.
“Limited testing gives everyone a big challenge, as you have to be efficient and make more of that time than anyone else. It's even tougher when you're the benchmark, as you need to invent while others can invent and copy. But we've done our homework and I think it looks set to be a good year again for us. The level of build quality in the car - how it all fits together and all the little details - is just awesome.”
Despite Mercedes’ resounding success in the current 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged era, Rosberg insists there has been not let up in the development pace and looks to add some silverware in the world champions’ trophy cabinet.
“It's so impressive how the team keeps on pushing, aiming to be better all the time. Of course, we all know that Ferrari are right there with us and maybe some of the others will be up there too, so we have to keep pushing. But it's good to have that competition. With the team we have I believe we can keep them behind.
“I'm really hoping to bring back a couple of wins from the first flyaways to reward everyone at the factories for their hard work. There's such a positive vibe in the team and everybody gets so excited. I know they'll be cheering us on at home every weekend, so it's our responsibility to deliver for them.
“I've had a great winter and done a few things differently for this year. I've never felt more ready to go. It's going to be a great battle.”
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