Mercedes AMG Petronas Team sets positive goals with new F1-03

Prior to the start of the 2nd Official Formula 1 testing at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, the Mercedes AMG Petronas Team introduced its 2012 challenger - the F1-W03. The occasion also saw the team's drivers Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher take the new Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG (above right) out for its first track appearance at Montmelo. Mercedes-Benz 's latest roadster delivers up to 537PS with 30% lower fuel consumption and is 125 kg lighter than the previous edition.     

 

The team's third F1 challenger, developed since May 2011, carries two major updates in accordance with the new technical regulations; the bodywork and height at the front of the car (stepped-nose) and re-positioning of the exhausts at the rear. Nine months after, the engineers have added 200 more new parts to the F1-W03, compared the previous version's total of 4300 parts. More significantly, the new car has a lower overall weight, despite more additional components 

 

Team drivers Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher, an all-German (Deutschen) tandem, are back for their third tenure at Mercedes AMG to continue the Stuttgart outfit's F1 aspirations in the new season. After an appalling 2011 season where Rosberg and Schumacher finished in lowly seventh and eighth in the drivers' standings, both drivers have set higher objectives to consistently stay with the forerunners in the upcoming season.  It was Rosberg who had the opportunity to put the F1-W03 on its very first laps during 16 February's demonstration run at the Silverstone circuit. He believes that the new car has been well-packaged under the bodywork and the new components work well during the first laps. However, Rosberg is realistic to point out that there are more miles and work to be input into the new challenger, "From the beginning of our running, we have been able to focus on understanding the car and making good progress with our test program. It will be very interesting to learn more about where we stand in the next few weeks."

 

Schumacher, who'd take the pilot seat of the W03 during the first days of the Barcelona test, has provided a positive feedback after an initial run of the new car last week. "Obviously, we will only see over the next couple of weeks how big the step is that we have made, but I can say already that the guys and girls back in the factories were brilliant in putting in so much effort, and we can only say a big thank you them." 

 

The 7-time F1 champion has vowed to put last year's campaign behind him and intends to move forward in tandem with the team's consistent progress."For my part, I am eager to fight again, looking forward to the new season, and I can’t wait for it to begin,” Schumacher beamed.

 

The former Ferrari and Brawn GP maestro, now team principal at Mercedes AMG Ross Brawn, like many F1 pundits, has remarked that the raised nosecone on current F1 cars is an acquired taste but he positively put that the F1 W03 represents another step forward in terms of design and sophistication. "The F1 W03 is also a more integrated package, which reflects the ever-strengthening ties between our technical teams in Brackley and Brixworth, and demonstrates that our Silver Arrows works team is taking the next step forward in terms of on-track performance.”

 

Chassis Construction  Moulded carbon fibre and honeycomb composite structure 

Suspension: Wishbone and pushrod/pullrod activated torsion springs and rockers

Dampers: Penske

Wheels: BBS forged magnesium 

Tyres: Pirelli

Brakes: Brembo calipers

Brake discs/pads: Carbon/Carbon

Steering:  Power assisted rack and pinion

Steering wheel: Carbon fibre construction

Electronics:  ECU and FIA homologated electronic and electrical system

Transmission: Seven speed unit with cast aluminium maincase 

Clutch: Carbon plate

Overall length: 4800mm

Overall height:       950mm

Overall width: 1800mm

 

Engine

Type: Mercedes-Benz FO108Z

Capacity: 2.4 litres

Cylinders: 8

Maximum rpm: 18,000 (maximum FIA regulation)

Bank angle :   90°

Piston bore :98mm (maximum FIA regulation)

No of valves: 32

Weight: 95kg