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| The Merecedes AMG Petronas F1 team launched its 2013 F1 car through live feeds across Twitter and Youtube with Nico Rosberg giving the W04 a first run at the Jerez circuit, followed by a formal launch on February 5, 2013 |
The Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team launched its 2013 Formula One car, the W04 in a
unique way via live feeds on Twitter and Youtube before its subsequent launch at the Jerez
circuit. They tweeted pictures of the new car and then a video with Nico Rosberg giving
the W04 its first run on the circuit, while completing a 100km shakedown.
At the formal launch both drivers Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton arrived at the wheel
of two Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Black Series, the fifth Black Series model from
Mercedes-AMG. Hamilton will be the first British racer to drive at the wheel of a Silver
Arrow Formula One car after Sir Stirling Moss in 1955.
Lewis Hamilton said “It´s the start of a new chapter for me, a new
adventure, and when I walked through the doors in Brackley, I was so excited to get down
to work. I´ve been at the factory for a few days now, getting to know the guys,
meeting my mechanics and engineers, learning myself into the team and I have never seen a
group of people that is hungrier for success than this one”.
“This is a new start for me with the team in Brackley but I have worked with
Mercedes-Benz for a very long time now, and I learned one thing most of all: Mercedes-Benz
doesn´t know how to lose. We are playing a long game here but I know we will have
success together and I´m excited to be a big part of making it happen” said
the Brit.
The general appearance of the W04 is largely similar to its predecessor and features a
similar exhaust at the rear as that of the McLaren or Ferrari. They have added a
‘vanity panel’ to cover the stepped nose, but overall the nose profile is
similar to that of last year’s car.
They have retained the push-rod front suspension, but will be using a pull-rod
suspension at the rear. The controversial ‘Double DRS’ has been eliminated as
FIA has banned the use of the technology.
The only new visible difference in the new car was the Blackberry stickering, which was
not only on the race cars but also on the drivers’ overalls. Blackberry has now
become the Official Mobile Computing Partner for the Silver Arrow team. A “Keep
Moving” campaign by Blackberry will feature throughout the 2013 Formula One season
which takes us back into Hamilton’s days at McLaren with the “Keep
Walking” Johnny Walker campaign.
