Formula 1

Pacesetters Mercedes Refusing To Get Carried Away

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Nico Rosberg has warned that Mercedes’ sensational testing form at Barcelona may not necessarily translate into race victory in Melbourne. The German set the fastest time of the week to lead Fernando Alonso’s Ferrari on the final day, backing up Lewis Hamilton’s dominant performance 24 hours earlier but Rosberg was quick to stress the conditions at the Circuit de Catalunya won’t be representative of first two Grands Prix.

“I’m pleased with our pre-season testing programme. We have achieved a lot of mileage and I can feel that the balance of the car is good. I have the general feeling that we are in a better position than in the second half of last year but this is testing not racing, of course. The conditions in the first race will be completely different to here as it will be much hotter in Melbourne and Sepang so we need to wait and see. Thanks to the team here at the track and back home at the factory for all their hard work over the last month. I hope it pays off and we can look forward to a positive season ahead together.”

Team Principal Ross Brawn has no complaints at the end of a busy winter schedule and heads to the season opener full of optimism.

“With the conclusion of our testing programme, I am pleased with the progress that the team has made over the last month and the steps forward that have been made with the car. We have achieved our objectives for the test programme and the mileage that we have been able to complete has been very satisfying. Lewis has settled into the team extremely well and everyone has enjoyed working with both him and Nico throughout the three tests. We now have one final week back at the factory to complete our preparations; both drivers will be at the factory this week and, as always, there is a lot of work to do in a short space of time. We’re realistic about our performance here and our position once we get to Melbourne, and we look forward to the challenge of a new season ahead.”

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