Mercedes GP team boss, Ross Brawn calls Red Bull Racing the 'reference point' for all rival teams
Mercedes GP team boss, Ross Brawn believes that Red Bull Racing will be the 'reference point' for all the teams entering the 2011 Formula 1 season.
The Austrian team has shown some great laps at the pre-season test sessions, one held earlier this week and another three in February.
The Mercedes GP driver and the seven-time World Champion, Michael Schumacher, set the best pace at the penultimate day of testing, at Barcelona, earlier this week, with his 1:21.249s. On the other hand, the young German and Mercedes GP driver, Nico Rosberg marked the best lap of the day at the final day of practice as he was the only driver to complete 35 laps on the rainy track, with his best lap time of 1:43.814s.
Although the latest upgrades and the improved pace and reliability of the new Mercedes W02 make many hopeful to see a strong team on the upcoming tracks. However, Brawn reckons that Red Bull, at the moment, seem the strongest for the 2011 season’s title battle.
Brawn said, "Red Bull has clearly gone into this year in quite a strong position and that is who I anticipate will be our reference point in the early point of the season. That is who we have to beat to win races. So that is my judgement, but I don't think it is unachievable and things change quite quickly in F1."
Brawn believes that FIA has made some significant changes for the upcoming season, which will make the job tougher for all the competitors. He assured that only being the quickest would not be enough to be the best this year.
The Briton added, "The racing is going to be quite fascinating with the tyres and all the other new factors, the rear flap adjuster, KERS, all these things coming in. So it may not be the fastest car that is winning the early races."
Just ahead of the last test, Mercedes GP has introduced some crucial updates to its package, like a revised front wing and new turning vanes. Both the team drivers believe that the initial few races will be tough for the team but in little time they will be able to get a few race wins.
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