Jerez F1 Test 2013: DAY 3 - Nico Rosberg and the F1 W04 in top form

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Nico Rosberg completed a successful third day of pre-season testing for MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS today in Jerez, Spain. Following a difficult start to the week with limited mileage, Nico was today able to complete a total of 655 km – over two race distances - to make good progress through the team’s test items.

• Nico’s work today focused on reliability running to put mileage on the car and aerodynamic evaluations
• Nico ran the medium and hard compounds throughout the day, setting his fastest time on the medium tyres
• He evaluated a new front wing design this morning and ran with the new parts throughout the afternoon.
• His total number of laps exceeded the highest single-day total from last year’s pre-season test in Jerez (132 laps for Michael Schumacher on 8 February 2012 in the 2011 car)
• Nico also completed pit-stop practice during the final hour of today’s running

DAY 3 Statistics

DAY 3 Times

Lewis Hamilton will complete the fourth and final day of the test tomorrow.

Nico Rosberg: "I’m very happy with today and I think it was probably a personal record for me to do almost 150 laps. I’ve never been so well prepared physically as I am this season; I feel on top form and it was no problem to complete the programme. To drive the distance from Silverstone to Spa in one day with no problems whatsoever is a fantastic achievement from the team. It really made up for the last two days and put a smile on everybody’s face. In terms of driving the car, I have a good feeling, I can push it and feel comfortable - but obviously we still have plenty of work to do to continue improving."

~ Official photos and report courtesy of MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS ~

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Jerez F1 Test 2013: DAY 2 - Tough session for Lewis Hamilton amidst crash

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Lewis Hamilton’s first day of testing for MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS was brought to an early conclusion today by a technical problem on the F1 W04.

• Lewis completed 15 laps this morning before suffering a loss of rear brake pressure
• The front brakes enabled him to slow the car however he could not avoid hitting the barrier
• The problem was traced to the hydraulic brake line connecting to the right-rear calliper
• The team did not go out for the remainder of the day as work continued to complete the required repairs

DAY 2 Statistics

DAY 2 Times

Nico Rosberg will be back at the wheel of the F1 W04 tomorrow for the third day of the test.

Lewis Hamilton: "We had a good start but then unfortunately we had a failure which brought our day to an early end. These things happen and it’s all part of testing. Of course, it’s better that we get these small issues out of the way sooner rather than later, and the guys are working really hard to overcome them. From the few short laps that I completed this morning, my general feeling was very positive. I got a good understanding of where the base of the car is and, whilst we need to do work in certain areas, it was good to have some laps to get a feel for what those areas are. I’ve told the guys that we just need to keep pushing and I know that we all will be doing that."

~ Official report courtesy of MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS ~

Image Source: F1 Fanatic

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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Jerez F1 Test 2013: DAY 1 - Nico Rosberg completes first laps with the F1 W04

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Nico Rosberg began the first pre-season test for MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS today, following the launch of the team´s new car and a filming day in Jerez yesterday.

• Nico completed three runs this morning before an electrical problem caused the car to stop on track
• Unburnt fuel in the exhausts subsequently ignited but did not cause any serious damage
• Further investigation identified that the fault originated in a wiring loom
• The necessary modifications are now taking place ready for tomorrow

DAY 1 Statistics

DAY 1 Times

Lewis Hamilton is due to drive on Wednesday for his first day of track testing with the team.

Nico Rosberg: "At the start of winter testing, you often encounter small issues because the car you´re running is a brand new design. We had an electrical problem this morning and, once we had found the root cause, chose to modify the parts to make sure it didn´t happen again. Of course, at this time of year all you want to do is spend time in the car and get a feeling for how it´s working, but these hiccups are just part of the game. During the laps I completed this morning, I had a good feeling with the car and it felt solid."

~ Official photos and report courtesy of MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS ~

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SPECIAL: Lewis and Nico get behind the wheel of their new F1 W04

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Yesterday, MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS took the veil off team's brand new F1 W04 single-seater, which they hope will the desired results and success during the 2013 season. After the photo session and the usual press conference, both Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were able to get a first impression of the new car during a special promotional video shooting on the Jerez track. They put their helmets on and each jumped inside his own Silver Arrow - Nico on #9, Lewis on #10 - and drove a few laps around the circuit to familiarize with the F1 W04 ahead of the four test days in Spain. Today and Thursday, Rosberg will do the first official timed laps, while Hamilton will take on the challenge tomorrow and Friday.

Check out Monday's best action captures with the new Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 W04 - enjoy! :)

~ Official photos courtesy of MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS ~

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