Norbert Haug: Mercedes GP might surprise the Formula 1 world in Australia – Formula 1 news
Mercedes GP team boss Norbert Haug recently stated that his team might surprise the Formula 1 world at the first grand prix that is expected to take place in Australia on March 27, 2011.
The 2011 Formula 1 season was expected to begin on March 13 in Bahrain but due to the current political situation and social unrest there, the FIA had to cancel the race and delay the season by two weeks.
Since the past couple of weeks, the team has been playing down its chances for the 2011 Formula 1 season even though they claimed that they were aiming for the titles before the pre-season test sessions began.
The team made an aerodynamic upgrade for the final pre-season test session which is expected to take place in Barcelona instead of Bahrain now.
“Because we were able to do more laps [in Barcelona], we understand the car and the tyres better, and that brings us lap time. If everything goes in the right direction, the Silver Arrow may surprise you,” Norbert told the media.
He added that since the season opening race has been called off and the season has been delayed for two more weeks, the teams will now have more time up their sleeves in order to understand their cars even better and ensure that they make the perfect package
for the upcoming season.
Other than that, Christian Horner disagreed with Norbert’s statement and stated that this delay will make a lot of difference.
Since Red Bull do not have a very good straight-line speed as compared to their rivals, Christian believes that the team would not have performed at its best in Bahrain either way.
“With its long straights, Bahrain would not have been our showcase race,” he added.
However, it is going to be interesting to see how the teams perform at the first race which is now expected to take place in Australia on March 27.
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