Formula 1 Latest News: Nico Rosberg upbeat for the new Mercedes’ car W02
Mercedes GP driver, Nico Rosberg still remains upbeat about the potential of the team’s new car, W02. While talking to the reporters following the second test, he proclaimed that although the pre-season test sessions had not been very encouraging, still
he was looking forward to an exciting season opener; the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The first test of the season kicked off at Valencia at the beginning of February while Jerez held the second four-day long test, last week. The first practice session depicted a number of reliability issues with the team car. However, the second test brought
better luck as the seven-time world champion, Michael Schumacher stood at the peak of the time-sheet, stamping the best lap time on the second day of test. Still the new W02 appeared to struggle for overall performance and stood nowhere close to the other
top rival cars like Red Bull and Ferrari when it came to reliability.
The mixed fortunes endured by the team in early testing made many believe that the upcoming season might not unfold as brilliantly for the team as expected. However, when the team driver Rosberg was asked how he looks forward to the upcoming season, he assured
that the next test and finally the first race will be better than the initial practices. He strongly believes that a few major updates that are yet to be carried in the car will produce better results for the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix.
While talking to the media he explained, "One thing that should be made very clear is that this car that we've been running so far is not our Bahrain car. This car is here to improve reliability and do the maximum mileage possible. A big step will be introduced
later in the test season."
He also admitted that the last two test sessions were not as brilliant as expected. The German told the reporters, "Yes, we weren't too fast in Valencia but with Michael's two days of running in Jerez we are obviously heading in the right direction. Despite
what people believe we weren't running in qualifying spec when he did his times - we still had a buffer. My running obviously was not so blessed.”
Rosberg ran only for 45 laps on the last day of the Jerez test as a precautionary engine change was required. However, Rosberg believes that it is still too early to jump to any conclusions as one must wait until the beginning of the season to determine
the exact pace and performance of the car.
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