FORUMula1.com

[EwanM]

The new layout will suck.

There will be no rain.

Vettel will be shouted loudly

[EwanM]

We won't be troubling the podium - Mercedes
ESPNF1 Staff
March 8, 2010


Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug believes his team will not be in the chase for a podium at the opening round of the season in Bahrain.

Michael Schumacher recently said he expects to be fighting at the front of the field, but Haug has warned that top-three results will not be possible until later rounds. Mercedes appeared to be just off the pace of the front runners in pre-season testing and team principal Ross Brawn has admitted that it is putting its faith in car upgrades to catch up with Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull.

"In my opinion, we will not challenge for the podium in the first few races, but we will definitely show up afterwards," Haug said. "Judging our competitiveness for the first couple of races, my impression is that we are not quite where we want to be and I would not see our team in the role of favourites. Having said that, I am fully convinced that the whole team and our drivers Nico [Rosberg] and Michael are fully prepared to get on top of our job and fulfil our targets which are winning races and fighting for world championships."

However, Rosberg has confidence in the new car and believes the gains the team made at the final test, combined with the update for the first race will make it a front runner.

"We did have some concerns that we were not able to find the right direction to extract the maximum potential from the car, but by working hard we were able to find our way and ended testing on a high," he said. "We also have a good upgrade coming for Bahrain which should develop the car further and so I am quite optimistic that we will do well. Bahrain is a track which I really enjoy so it should be a good start to the season all in all."
© ESPN EMEA Ltd.

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[scotty]

^ They are just covering their backs!

[Jabberwocky]

this could just be some sandbagging. so when Schuey destroys the field they will say he is back on full form.

[luckyboy]

Here are visual changes between 2009 and 2010:




F1boy

[racechick]

this could just be some sandbagging. so when Schuey destroys the field they will say he is back on full form.

It's\ probably in his contract. You
make the car sound a bit dodgy so i can look really good

[ivey]

Is there no one who actually believes Nico can keep up with Schumacher or am I getting the wrong idea just because of the hype over michael. I'm not sure if Michael will have the big advantage, maybe in the long run he will win because Nico can make some stupid mistakes, but still, not something Nico couldn't handle imo.

[scotty]

Is there no one who actually believes Nico can keep up with Schumacher or am I getting the wrong idea just because of the hype over michael. I'm not sure if Michael will have the big advantage, maybe in the long run he will win because Nico can make some stupid mistakes, but still, not something Nico couldn't handle imo.

It depends if Schumacher is as good as he was. If not then Rosberg should challenge him regularly rather than only a handful of times in the season...

[cap-dude]

It's very hard to judge.

It's hard to judge exactly how good Rosberg is. Considering for the last 3 years he hasn't exactly had the best team-mates, so we haven't had any yard-sticks. Whilst Schumacher, some would argue whether he was ever that good, and some would argue is he still that good at 41 and after a 3 year break.

Apparently Ross Brawn rates Rosberg, whilst some of his Williams engineers don't exactly. I just don't know.

[texasmr2]

I like Nico alot and think he finally has a team that will allow him to show his true colors but even if Michael is his elder Nico does not have the experience that can only come from years of driving and multiple WDC's. Seeing as Michael is only 41 but still in top physical shape and he raced something during his hiatus I want to think he has lost nothing. Would I like to see Nico beat Michael yes but will it be because of skill, no, it will come down to many variables that played in his favor imho.

Regardless of my outlook on this matter may the best car/driver combo win .

[Scotch F1]

I'd say for Nico, it will be similar to the Schumacher/Massa battle in 2006 (more like the second half than the first). There will be days when Nico beats Schumacher fair and square, but I don't think he'll beat him over the season.

[Big Azza]

I'm hoping Vettel will win.

Hamilton is MOST likely in my opinion, with Alonso in with a chance.

Snapping at their heels are Massa, Schumacher, and Hulkenberg.

[The Oz]

I rate Rosberg, he did very well last year in a car that wasn't the best. He consistantly got points which would please sponsors. I reckon he would even win a race this year

[Juliet P]

I'm hoping Vettel will win.

Hamilton is MOST likely in my opinion, with Alonso in with a chance.

Snapping at their heels are Massa, Schumacher, and Hulkenberg.

Hulkenberg? You're putting a rookie in his first race on equal odds with Massa and Schumi? Pretty radical...

[TGLucario475]

I'm hoping Vettel will win.

Hamilton is MOST likely in my opinion, with Alonso in with a chance.

Snapping at their heels are Massa, Schumacher, and Hulkenberg.

Hulkenberg? You're putting a rookie in his first race on equal odds with Massa and Schumi? Pretty radical...

Well someone has the be the mad one and it should be me! Besides, not many people believed a newly formed team would win the championship.