Reigning Formula 1 champions Mercedes have released a video of its 2017-spec Silver Arrow firing up for the first time.

The German manufacturer will unveil its W08 on February 23 at Silverstone, with Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas forming a new driver line-up. Mercedes has been nearly unstoppable in the latest 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged era, winning 51 of 59 races over the past three seasons en route to a trio of consecutive championship doubles.

2017 will see the introduction of radical aero changes, as well as wider tyres from Pirelli. Despite the rules revamp, Mercedes’ rivals expect the German constructor to remain at the front given the scope of its dominance on the engine front.

Besides dealing with Nico Rosberg’s stunning retirement as world champion, Mercedes has also seen its technical director Paddy Lowe leave the team over the winter.

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Julien Billiotte

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