Pre-season testing is not known for its true representation of car performance; Scuderia Ferrari outpaced the class of 2016 in Barcelona, yet proved inadequate against Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team for the remainder of the season.
But Niki Lauda, non executive chairman at Mercedes, has expressed his opinion that teams will not be holding back this year due to the changes in regulations as they will want to know where they sit before the season opener in Melbourne.
“The Barcelona tests will be used to get to know the new rules during the first four days,” Lauda said. “The four days between the testing sessions will be used to develop updates.
“Then, from March 7 to March 10, we will do business. This time nobody will hold back and only show their cards at Melbourne. This time we want to know where we are on track.”
Lauda also gave a positive appraisal of their new car, due to launch on February 23.
“I saw it when it was still under basic construction,” he added. “I was delighted from the start. The broader car with its bigger tyres looks awesome. The fans will like it for sure.”
