Inclined for star treatment? Highlights from StarDrive Mumbai.

Inclined for star treatment? Highlights from StarDrive Mumbai.

The Mercedes-Benz StarDrive got petrol-heads in Mumbai all enthused over the weekend. Renowned for demonstrating the marvels of Mercedes-Benz engineering across 11 cities, the Mumbai edition was conducted at the Juhu Aerodrome on the 1^st and 2^nd of December. The venue was the perfect place to put the stars through their paces and allowed fans to experience these marvels of automotive engineering like they are meant to be. On display were the stunning SLS AMG, G-55 AMG and E-Cabriolet while enthusiasts could experience the M-Class, and C 63 AMG at the hands of experts. StarDrive Mumbai also saw Farhan Akhtar participate in the event as he put his favourite Stars through their paces.

The StarDrive Experience demonstrates Mercedes-Benz hallmark levels of safety by providing participants with a first-hand demonstration of PRE-SAFE®.  One of the several safety systems that contribute to the Mercedes-Benz Integral Safety concept, PRE-SAFE® takes anticipatory precautions when an imminent collision is detected. Seats bend forward into a favourable position, head rests adjust and seat belts tighten, in addition the windows and the sun roof close automatically for preventive action.  Participants get to experience PRE-SAFE® in a completely controlled and safe environment. Also demonstrated are the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

Participants also climbed to new heights with the SUV demonstration that included the M-Class and the GL-Class. These mighty titans made little of a 40 degree slope with the help of their PRO-ENGINEERING Package while the Hill Hold Assist helped the vehicle stand stationary for a breath taking 2.5 seconds before rolling back. Descending is a piece of cake with Downhill Speed Regulation allowing the driver to set the speed of 4 to 18 kmph for a controlled descent. Participants were treated to a drive that was as smooth as silk as the differential lock system made little of difficult terrain.

The Mumbai edition of the StarDrive was unlike any other with a guest appearance of one of our favourite stars – Farhan Akhtar. He slipped behind the wheel of an M-Class to experience the SUV test track on his own terms. This was followed by a breath-taking ride in the C63 AMG,  on the slalom course. This was followed by drives in the SLS AMG and G55 AMG. The icing on the cake was that winners of our StarDrive with Farhan Akhtar contest got to experience an exhilarating drive in the M-Class with their favourite Star.

Michael Schumacher celebrates his 300th race

Michael Schumacher celebrates his 300^th race.

The formula for success is persistence. When Michael Schumacher lines up on the starting grid for Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team at the Spa Francorchamps on Sunday, it will be his 300th Grand Prix start. A feat only one other driver has achieved. Added to this is Michael's impressive record of 91 race wins, 155 podiums, 68 pole positions and 77 fastest laps to his name.

Spa Francorchamps is where it all began for Michael. It was on the very same track that he made his Formula One debut with Jordan, back in 1991. It also has a special place in his heart as he won his first Grand Prix here in 1992 and took home his last world championship title in 2004. It comes as no surprise then that he has been made an honorary citizen of Spa. Speaking about Spa, Michael comments, "Spa is like my living room. For me, it's clearly the number one racetrack in the world.”

At 43 years of age Michael is completely committed to the sport. On the eve of this momentous race, Michael stated - "Formula One is the ultimate racing and if you're involved, you're only involved because you want to do the best that you can do." He will be commemorating this special race with a  new helmet design, crafted for this occasion.

Our passion connects us.

Mercedes-Benz India does a live webcast on mb. Connect!

Recently, Mercedes Benz India added another first to its name. We are the first automobile company in the country to talk directly to our customers and those who admire the brand, through a live webcast. We took this initiative to give you an insider's perspective of what it takes to make these dream machines a reality. We shared some lesser known facts of our cars and discussed the complexities of the cutting-edge technology that brings the fascination alive. 

The mb. Connect! event was conducted through a live stream. The questions were fielded by Mr. Debashis Mitra – Head of Marketing & Sales, Mercedes-Benz India. We sorted through over 500 questions submitted to us and got some interesting insights from Mr. Mitra as he shared his immense knowledge of the brand. 

We will bring you more such interactive sessions where you can connect with important people behind the scenes who share your passion for Mercedes-Benz India. 

To engage with Mercedes-Benz India, just log on to www.mbconnect.in.

Sporty and aggressive C-Class AMG Performance Edition

Mercedes-Benz India ushers in the sporty and aggressive C-Class AMG Performance Edition

C-Class AMG Performance Edition

• Introduction of AMG Sports Package: The enhanced driving dynamics of the C-Class AMG Performance Edition gets more accentuated with an aggressive exterior and a dynamic interior

• Sporty Exteriors with AMG Body Styling: 17-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, perforated front brake discs and sports suspension

• Luxurious & Sporty Interiors with AMG Sports Package: Steering wheel gear shift paddles, 3-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel with 12 function keys in nappa leather, instrument cluster featuring 3 analogue dials with tapered tube-style surrounds, high-resolution of 11.4 cm (4.5-inch)  & TFT colour display

Mercedes-Benz India today launched the new C-Class AMG Performance Edition with added AMG Sports Package. The C-Class 250 CDI Avant-garde has been hailed as the most aggressive vehicles in its class in terms of handling and driving dynamics. The AMG Sports Package translates this dynamism and aggression through the overall look and feel of the vehicle now. The AMG Sports package comprises carefully coordinated features for a sportier exterior and adds to the contours of the interior ambience, lending an enhanced driving dynamics.

The New C-Class AMG Performance Edition sets newer standards in its segment by offering an aggressive road presence and integrating safety, comfort and agility. The New C-Class has been one of the most important and iconic model series from Mercedes-Benz stable, and has been an epitome of luxury and comfort making it one of the most popular vehicles in the segment.

 Mr. Debashis Mitra, Director Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India: “The C-Class has been one of the most successful sedans from the Mercedes-Benz portfolio and has received overwhelming customer traction since its launch. We have sold close to 15,000 units of the C-Class since its launch in India in 2001. With the launch of the New C-Class AMG Performance Edition; Mercedes-Benz aims to redefine the luxury entry level sedan segment. The new C-Class AMG Performance Edition will offer our connoisseurs a more enhanced driving experience, incorporated with the added features of the AMG styling, which is revered for its sporty and dynamic attributes globally. Mercedes-Benz’s constant endeavour has been to innovate and delight its diverse customer base through exciting products and world class service standards. We are confident that the New C-Class AMG Performance Edition will continue to excite our growing customer base and fans of AMG styling.”

The New C-Class AMG Performance Edition with AMG Sports Package adds to the exemplary visual appeal of its predecessors by adding more aggressive and sporty renderings. The New C-Class AMG Performance Edition’s exterior now comes with AMG body styling with a front and rear apron, and side sill panels. The 17-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels give the car a much more aggressive look which is enhanced further by the front brake calipers with "Mercedes-Benz" lettering. The Perforated front brake discs and a new Sports suspension are some of the distinctive features which make driving the New C-Class AMG Performance Edition more engaging.

The additional renderings of the AMG Sports Package include the tailpipe trim which now comes in polished stainless steel. The sporty look of the car is now more distinguished with the daytime running lamps with chrome surrounds.

A distinctive sporty look greets the interior which now has a 3-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel with 12 function keys in Nappa leather. The steering wheel is further accentuated with a red contrasting topstitching with flattened lower section, and a perforation in the grip area making long drives comfortable. Adding to the ease of driving, the steering wheel now also comes with gear shift paddles.

The AMG Sports Package in the New C-Class AMG Performance Edition provides a superlative look to the interior with a new instrument cluster which features the 3 analogue dials with tapered tube-style surrounds. The high-resolution 11.4 cm (4.5-inch) TFT colour display adds a whole new level of sophistication to the interior of the car.

Other AMG Sports Package renderings, which endow the plush interiors of the New C-Class AMG Performance Edition with a sporty look, are in the form of aluminum-look gearshift/selector lever with leather gaiter, a brushed stainless steel AMG sports pedals with black rubber studs and a headlining in black fabric. The floor mats too now comes in black with AMG lettering pronounced.

With a redesigned dashboard, new instrument cluster, equipped with an integrated colour display and revamped upholstery, the New C-Class has witnessed a complete makeover in its interiors, offering the customers a deluxe travelling opportunity.

The C-Class AMG Performance Edition is priced at INR 34, 62,609 ex-showroom in Mumbai.

Contact:  

Mercedes-Benz India Pvt. Ltd.: Tel. 021 35673000

Manas Dewan: e-mail: manas.dewan@daimler.com

Shekhar Das Chowdhury: e-mail: shekhar.daschowdhury@daimler.com

Ghazal Javed: e-mail: ghazal.javed@daimler.com

Mercedes-Benz A-Class, C-Class and E-Class take four first places in customer survey in Germany

Taking four first places with the A-Class, C-Class and E-Class, Mercedes-Benz has turned up a clear winner in terms of driver satisfaction, according to JD Power in Germany, a market research company that conducts surveys of customer satisfaction research on new car quality and long-term dependability. The German car maker has also been voted as the strongest brand in the Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC) AutoMarxX study, Europe’s largest automobile club with more than 18 million members as of May 2012. A little over 14,000 drivers in Germany responded to the online survey to assess the quality and reliability of the cars, which is the basis for the JD Power 2012 Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study (VOSS). All the cars had to be driven for around two years.

“We are delighted that we have once again been able to secure the top places in the JD Power Study 2012. Our aim in the future is to continue to set the highest of standards, not only in terms of quality, service and ecology, but, of course also with our exciting designs, inspirational technology and high levels of driving pleasure. As a result we hope that the Mercedes-Benz brand will continue to be extremely well received by our customers,” said Joachim Schmidt, member of the board of Mercedes-Benz cars responsible for sales and marketing.

The company emerged as the winner in the Overall VOSS ranking with the C-Class taking the podium for the third time in succession, the E-Class winning the award for the second consecutive year and the A-Class scoring top marks for satisfaction in the compact class. Also Read: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 350: First Drive

Based on the responses, market researchers drew up comprehensive lists of vehicles achieving best satisfaction, comprising 79 models from 25 manufacturers in eight categories.

Leading up the Automotive Scene

Aggressive Looks, Enhanced Dimensions, Refined Performance and Green footprint: The New M-Class from Mercedes-Benz sets a new benchmark among luxury SUVs in India

Now in its third generation, the M-Class is the most popular SUV from the Mercedes-Benz stable with over 1500 units already sold in India. The new M-Class with its aggressive looks, larger dimensions and green footprint has raised the bar for luxury SUVs in India. The best in Class SUV with Active Parking Assist, Airmatic Air Suspension, 20 inches AMG Body styling & Alloy wheels, Easy pack Tailgate, Designo Leather Interiors and Mini Spare wheel included in the standard fitments

Power packed with technology and gadgets the new M-Class introduces several concepts into the SUV segment for the first time- like Attention assist, Eco start stop, Reversing Camera etc. Legendary Mercedes technology, safety and robustness earned it the Euro 5 star rating from EURO NCAP

Mercedes-Benz India introduced the powerful, agile and luxurious new third generation M-Class, sporting the Mercedes-Benz new design language, to the market. The New M-Class stays true to the lineage of its predecessors and drives into the future with better fuel efficiency, new look and superior performance. The New M-Class exemplifies Mercedes-Benz’s philosophy of the ‘Best or Nothing’ being the engineering marvel that it is. 

Peter Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India explains: “At the start of this year we had promised to introduce exciting new models into the market. We are proud to present today the New M Class, built to perform with the highest precision and follows the Mercedes-Benz new design language. We are confident that the quality of drive and the luxurious experience it can deliver will be a big hit with the customers and it will be warmly received.”

Aggressive design language:  The design of the M-Class is a trailblazing further development of the SUV concept. The unmistakable style makes the W166 series instantly recognizable as an M-Class. The horizontal lines at the rear emphasize the vehicle's on-road character. These lines are picked up in the cockpit, with its compelling combination of ergonomic, practical design and the use of high-grade materials.

What’s New?

This new edition of the M-Class, now in its third generation, sets new benchmarks in SUV design, technology and performance. The NEW M-Class sports powerful exterior and interior design featuring high – quality details, following the interpretation of a contemporary SUV. 

The vehicle leads the field in safety, comfort, quality feel over its competitors. The pinnacle of comfort and load compartment capacity offering ease of handling,  on and off-road.

Keeping true to the new design language, the new M-Class has been envisioned with a much sleeker frame as compared to its predecessor. Though the vehicle is significantly larger it does not make it look bulkier. There is an overall increase in the length and width of the car.

 A true off-roader,  the New M-Class has been fitted with technology that would help customized settings for engine performance, automatic transmission, anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Electronic Traction System all at the touch of the off-button on the console.

Safety is a primary mover for Mercedes-Benz; the New M-Class is packed with safety technology. It has nine strategically located airbags that ensures the safety of its passengers upon collision / accident. Additionally it is built with a PRE-SAFE technology that helps prevent such instances.

Protection of the environment is a key task of every individual; the New M-Class has been built with this thought in mind. The vehicle has been built with the ECO start-stop function, which reduces fuel consumption and emissions- by automatically switching off the engine during traffic jams or traffic signals.

Making the drive more pleasurable is the technology that has been packed into the new generation such as ATTENTION ASSIST, that alerts the driver on detection of drowsiness on longer trips; an Active Parking Assist with integrated PARKTRONIC technology, and a new rearview camera that increases comfort and provides a real safety plus.

The NEW M-Class sets the bar higher for a Luxury SUV in driver’s delight, passenger convenience and overall safety, a testimony of which is the prestigious EURO NCAP 5 Star rating awarded to the vehicle.

The Third Generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class Launch

Presenting the Third Generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class – For Those in Control

When your eyes see only empty road for miles ahead and your heart is fluttering like the wind rushing by, you know that the best part of the journey has begun. And you are in control.

It is by far the most advanced SUV created by Mercedes-Benz and is in the 3^rd generation. The individuality that it projects, the style statement and the adventurous spirit of an explorer is what makes this car so magnificent. The New Mercedes Benz M-Class truly is a car ‘For those in Control’.

Here are the extra-ordinary features of the all new Mercedes-Benz:

• The new M-Class comes with a standard with the ECO start/stop function which reduces fuel consumption and emissions by automatically switching off the engine (for example in traffic jams or at traffic lights)

• The AMG Exterior Sports package (20” AMG alloys & AMG body styling) as well as exclusive appointments (like Designo exclusive 2-Tone leather upholstery) further enhance the sportiness rugged looks and comfort of the M-Class.

• Extensive safety features that are unique in this segment include the PRE-SAFE® system & 9 airbags

• PRE-SAFE: includes preventive belt tensioner, positioning function for front passenger's seat with Memory package, closing function for sliding sunroof and side windows.

• Most comprehensive standard equipment in the segment in terms of restraint systems with 9 airbags- front (2), front side (2), driver kneebag (1), front/rear windowbags (2), rear sidebags (2)

• Innovative assistance systems, such as ATTENTION ASSIST, Active Parking Assist, etc

• COMAND Online system with a bigger 17.8 cm color display, 10 GB MUSIC REGISTER, SD slot for memory cards. Playback of audio CD and DVD audio/video possible, amongst others. Search for music titles with LINGUATRONIC (voice operated control)

• THERMOTRONIC 3-zone luxury automatic climate control with selectable climate modes (FOCUS, MEDIUM and DIFFUSE).

• High traction: 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with 50:50 power distribution ideal for off-road use. Downhill speed regulation via engine and transmission control.

• AIRMATIC package  incl. air suspension, all-round level control and ADS II adaptive damping system with selectable "Sport" and "Comfort" (button name: "COMF") modes at the touch of a button. Even more flexible handling on the road for enhanced comfort and dynamics.

• 7G-TRONIC PLUS fitted as standard with further decrease in torque converter slip and optimized efficiency. Improved damping of rotational eccentricities and vibrations at the same time makes for even greater comfort, faster gear changes and more durability.

• The first in new M-Class is the Easy pack tailgate which ensures excellent loading convenience with the press of a button.

• The all new reversing camera in the new M-Class increases comfort & provides a real safety plus by not only make parking easier, but also maneuvering in difficult terrain.

• Euro NCAP ratings: Five star rating for excellent occupant protection.

• The New M-Class is longer & wider than the outgoing predecessor by + 23mm & +15 mm respectively while the height is reduced by -19mm making the new M-Class more aerodynamic.

• Off-road driving program with off key: helps the driver to off-road trips with customized settings for engine performance, automatic transmission, anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Stability Program ESP ® and Electronic Traction System 4ETS . It is activated via the off-button on the center console.

Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series is the new DTM Safety Car

A further highlight of the 2012 DTM season in addition to the spectacular new Mercedes-AMG C-Coupé will be the DTM Safety Car: right from the off, C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series will be providing the necessary safety for the world's most popular touring car series. With a maximum output of 380 kW (517 hp), this two-seater is the most powerful C-Class of all time. The German Touring Car Masters (DTM) gets underway at the Hockenheimring on 29 April 2012.

The Safety Car is deployed under the direction of the German Motorsport Association (DMSB), which is responsible for implementing safety measures, ensuring compliance with safety standards and discharging the attendant official sporting functions in accordance with the DTM rules. The C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series Safety Car driven by racing driver Jürgen Kastenholz (44) is intended to ensure maximum safety for racing drivers, spectators and track marshals in case of dangerous situations, such as extreme weather conditions, accidents or other incidents. In response to a radio message from the race organizers, the Safety Car enters the track and leads the DTM field around the circuit until normal racing can be resumed.

The most powerful C-Class of all time stands for spectacular design, technology transfer from the field of motorsport and driving dynamics of the very highest caliber. As such, the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series only required modification to a few points of detail for deployment as the DTM Safety Car. The most striking feature distinguishing it from the series production version is the aerodynamically optimized light bar on the roof. Energy-efficient, fast-response LEDs in green and orange keep the DTM racing drivers informed of the current situation.

DTM Safety Car provided by Mercedes-AMG since 2000

Mercedes-AMG has been providing the Safety Car ever since the beginning of the "new" DTM in 2000, alternating with Audi from race to race – and since 2012 with BMW also. In the Formula 1 World Championship, an SLS AMG is deployed as an Official F1 Safety-Car and a C 63 AMG Estate serves as an Official F1 Medical Car.

Victory in DTM Debut Race

Gary Paffett (THOMAS SABO Mercedes AMG C-Coupé) wins season opener at Hockenheim in first race of new DTM era

• First win in first race for DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé
  
• 100th one-two victory in the DTM for Mercedes-Benz
• 166th victory in 343 DTM races for Mercedes-Benz
• Mercedes-Benz scoops 65 of the 101 points available with five C-Coupé drivers in the Top 8
• Sixth Hockenheim victory (opening and closing races of season) in succession for Mercedes-Benz

Gary Paffett (THOMAS SABO Mercedes AMG C-Coupé) won the 2012 DTM season opener at Hockenheim from sixth place on the grid with a 4.7- second lead on Jamie Green (Mercedes AMG C-Coupé). It was Paffett’s 18th Victory in the DTM and his fourth at Hockenheim. It was the British driver’s 26th podium in the 82nd DTM race of his career and his seventh in a DTM race at Hockenheim. With 18 wins and a winning rate of 22%, Paffett has achieved the greatest number of victories among those drivers currently contesting the DTM. Paffett and Green secured the 100th one-two victory for Mercedes-Benz in the DTM since 1988.

It was the sixth consecutive Mercedes victory at their home race in Hockenheim (opener and finale), and their third win in a row at a DTM season opener (Paffett 2010 and 2012, and Bruno Spengler, 2011). Overall since 1988, Mercedes-Benz has won 32 of 65 DTM races at the Hockenheimring. During the same period, Mercedes-Benz drivers were victorious 166 times in 343 DTM races.

Paffett’s victory was the first success in the new DTM era in the three-way battle between the three premium brands Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz and the first victory for the new DTM Mercedes AMG C Coupé, the successor to the AMG Mercedes C-Class, which is the most successful vehicle in the history of the DTM with 85 victories in 159 races.

Christian Vietoris (Mercedes-Benz Bank AMG C-Coupé) advanced from 15th on the grid to finish fourth. Ralf Schumacher (Mercedes AMG C-Coupé) and David Coulthard (DHL Paket Mercedes AMG C-Coupé) were also amongst the points, finishing seventh and eighth respectively. Susie Wolff (TV Spielfilm Mercedes AMG C-Coupé) and Robert Wickens (stern Mercedes AMG C-Coupé) ended the day in twelfth and 14th positions. DTM rookie Roberto Merhi (Junge Sterne Mercedes AMG C-Coupé) was forced to retire from the race.

Jamie Green set the fastest lap with a time of 1:34.901 minutes – the sixth time he has done so at Hockenheim. It is also the 36th time in 65 DTM races at this venue that a Mercedes-Benz driver has posted the fastest lap time. Nine of the last ten fastest laps here were set by a Mercedes-Benz driver.

A total of 142,000 fans attended the DTM opener at Hockenheim this weekend (Fri, Sat, Sun). Some 71,000 spectators were at the track for Sunday’s first race of the new DTM era.

SLS AMG lets loose on the race track

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG sets the fastest lap time on the Buddh International Circuit.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is as much a sight to behold as it is a thrill to drive. There are not many cars on the road that can match its looks and the performance leaves everything else in its dust. But few have actually witnessed the true potential of the SLS AMG. It is capable of going toe to toe with the finest racing cars in the world.

Recently, the SLS AMG gave undeniable proof of that fact.  The lucky participants of the AMG Driving Academy held at the Buddh International Circuit were able to see the car in its true element when it set the lap record for the circuit at 2.1 minutes. The F1 track that not too long ago hosted its first Grand Prix had its fastest time blown away by the Roadster with AMG Driving Academy instructor, Norman Simon, behind the wheel.

The AMG Driving Academy at the Buddh International Circuit is a first of its kind in India. The first session of the AMG Driving Academy got a rousing response with the participants grasping the idea of cornering and braking at race pace. At the end of the day, they left with a sense of awe and accomplishment.

The SLS AMG is certainly making waves, not only on the road but on the race track as well.  

The 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship

The 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship is ready to flag off this weekend with the season-opening Australian Grand Prix held at the picturesque Albert Park.

Here’s some trivia on the 5.303 km street circuit located south of Melbourne city centre.

•   From 2002 - 2011, the winner of the Australian Grand Prix has gone on to become World Champion seven times
•   DRS can be used over 56% of the lap distance in qualifying, a total of 2970 metres
•   The Safety Car has been deployed in six of the last ten Australian Grands Prix on a total of 15 occasions
•   Mercedes-Benz power has won three of the last four Australian Grands Prix (2008, 2009, 2010)

With the F1 W03 tested endlessly; Michael & Nico seem ready to get into the thick of it, here’s what they had to say…

Michael Schumacher

“Finally, we can stop trying to read the tea-leaves from testing and actually go racing. Melbourne is a perfect location, and the ideal place to start the season. The city loves Formula One, the fans create a great atmosphere and obviously, as drivers, we feel that too. And because we’ve already got a buzz about what’s to come, it just makes you want to get out there and start driving. During winter testing, we completed lots of miles and built up a really complete set of data, which should put us in a good position for the first race and to develop the car even further in the right direction. We’re ready for the 2012 season to begin…”

Nico Rosberg

“I’m really looking forward to the start of the new season in Australia next weekend. I had a perfect winter break with plenty of rest, a good training camp and a successful pre-season test programme where we were able to put a lot of mileage on our F1 W03 car. So we are really ready for the first race. I always love the atmosphere in Melbourne; it’s a great city and the fans are fantastic. After all of the hard work, and all of the speculation, it will be really interesting to see where we are on Saturday afternoon after qualifying. Before heading to Australia, I will be in New Zealand for a bike training camp to help me adjust to the time difference and the climate ‘Down Under’.”

Ross Brawn, Team Principal

“The build-up to the start of a new season is always an exciting time, no matter how many times you have experienced it, and everyone at the team is looking forward to the action getting underway in Melbourne next week. We are well prepared, both at the factory and on track, as a result of our structured development and testing plan, and I am confident that we are in a good position. How this translates to our performance relative to the competition is, of course, the key question and it will be interesting to see how it all shapes out next weekend. My thanks to all of the team at Brackley and Brixworth for their hard work and dedication over the winter months and I hope we will be able to reward them with a strong season. Melbourne has always been one of the atmospheric races on the calendar, and certainly one of my favourite cities to visit, so I look forward to a good week ahead.”

Norbert Haug, Vice-President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport

“It's only a little over 100 days since Formula One was in Brazil for the final race of the 2011 season, but now we are ready for the 2012 season to begin and to get back to what we love best: going motor racing. Starting the third season with our Silver Arrows works team, we think we are better prepared than the two years before, which indicates that our learning process is heading in the right direction. The Mercedes F1 W03 has run reliably since its first run on 16 February, completed 4,450 km during pre-season testing, and achieved an average daily testing mileage of 472 km: this equates to an average of more than one and a half Grand Prix distances during each of the nine test days. Nico and Michael are both excited about the new season and highly motivated, while our team members back at base in Brackley and Brixworth and on track are working extremely hard to deliver both performance and reliability at the opening race. The whole team has done a good job in both areas this winter. After testing, we know we have a solid basis to work from and a good platform for development. Understandably, there is much speculation about the pecking order of the new season, and finally we will get a first answer on Saturday afternoon during qualifying in Melbourne, when everybody has to put their cards on the table. Before the first race of this long season, I would like to thank all our team members who have worked so hard and with dedication during the past months, with our clear target which is making the next step in improving our performance compared to our competitors. We aim to show that we have taken this step forward as the first part of a continuous process of improvement.”