The new 2011 Silver Arrow
by Adam Milleneuve on Feb 1st, 2011Here it is, the new Mercedes GP car for the 2011 season. As with many of the launches so far, it's rather similar to the 2010 car, minus the obvious u-turn on the airbox above the drivers head - it seems they've ditched the unusual one from last year the form of a more conventional one. If rumours are true though, conventional is the last thing the rest of this car's design will be...
Ross Brawn has high hopes for the 2011 challenger, and when he says such a thing, people pay attention - remember Melbourne 2009? This car could be the one that gives Nico Rosberg the chance to prove his critics wrong and to return the most successful man in F1's career around - something Michael Schumacher will be desperate to do.
So here's the new car in all it's glory - do we like it folks?
The new Mercedes GP revealed in Valencia - image via @AdamCooperF1 Twitter
Comments and Discussion
that nose cone is a wonder of composite engineering. Its truly staggering they managed to get that through the frontal impact test.
I heard they have managed to do something very unconventional and hidden with the exhaust system to the benefit of the blown diffuser. A Long with pullrod suspension at the rear I can't wait to see the timesheets over the next few tests. I'm told my money should be on this car, but which driver is a tough question.
Couldn't agree more, do you think Brawn has done it again!?
For me, it doesn't look as good as the 2010 car. Too much green in it.
I'm sure it's pretty quick though
So far appears to be the biggest revolution of the launches so far... but then again it had to be because the 2010 car was such a (relative) disaster.
I think it's rather elegant, the lower-angle pictures on F1.com do it better justice. the lardiness of last years car is all gone.
The green/silver never really worked as a colour combination, but that's the way that it is. If your car was blue and your title sponsor insisted on having a brown streak down the middle, you've got your hands tied and you have to put the brown in as best you can.
I have no doubt that they'll be at least as quick as McLaren this year, maybe not knocking on the door of Ferrari or Red Bull at the start of the season, but not too far off.