Tension disappears after first qualifying - Lowe

Mercedes' executive director (technical) Paddy Lowe says qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix will bring an end to a build-up of tension for the teams.

Following dominant back-to-back champions, Mercedes remains the team to beat in 2016 after showing impressive reliability and pace throughout the eight days of pre-season testing. Lowe, however, says there is tension which has built up over testing and he looks forward to getting a definitive answer of where Mercedes stands during qualifying on Saturday.

"Innovation drives us forward - and it's clear to see on our car that nobody in the team is resting on their laurels," Lowe said. "But while we were pleased with our performance in Barcelona, we have no definite sense of how we measure up relative to the competition. This creates tension - but mainly excitement to see where we stand.

"The first qualifying session of the year is, for me, the most exciting hour of the whole Formula One calendar. This is where you get your final exam marks for all the hard work over the many months needed to put together a new car. It's the first time we see all of the cars and drivers on the limit - gloves off, flat out.

"Once you get through qualifying and see where you stand, good or bad, a lot of that winter tension is relieved and translated into plans for the future. Whether it's maintaining a gap or closing on a target ahead, the objective becomes clear."

Lowe previously told F1i he feels the Mercedes aerodynamic team has "come out on top" compared to its rivals in terms of coming up with new innovations this season.

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