Norbert Haug says tough Chinese GP ahead for Mercedes team, new upgrades in pipeline - Formula 1
The Mercedes team has given up hope for a good weekend in China. Norbert Haug, Vice President of Mercedes-Benz stated that less than a week is not enough time to bring any development in the MGP-W02.
Team Principal, Ross Brawn, also commented that the development work will be going on back in the factory and updates will be seen in the European part of the 2011 Formula 1 season.
A lot was expected from the Mercedes team, but both Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher were not able to live up to the expectations in the first two Grand Prix’s of the 2011 season.
Haug stated that the Chinese Grand Prix will be difficult for the Mercedes team. “We are expecting a difficult and challenging weekend for our team....... lower part of the point’s rankings was the best that was achievable with our current technical package.
In China, we wish to continue to improve before we can make further necessary steps with our technical package during the three weeks before the start of the European season,” added Haug.
Mercedes’ 2011 season start was not as electrifying as was expected. In the later part of the pre-season testing sessions, the Mercedes team showed good progress because the design of the rear wing and exhaust systems were changed.
In the Australian Grand Prix, both Mercedes’ cars were out of the race after being involved in independent crashes. In the Malaysian Grand prix Michael Schumacher finished the race in ninth position securing two points for the team.
Overall, the Mercedes team are slower than the McLaren and Red Bull team which is the main reason for their miserable performance in the 2011 season so far.
Brawn commented that the Mercedes team will live up to the expectations of the fans in the European part of the season. Ross stated that the team will be working in the factory and will bring some upgrades to the MGP-W02.
The next race, the Chinese Grand Prix is scheduled to take place on 17 April in Shanghai.
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