Nico Rosberg to attend DTM curtain-raiser at Hockenheimring

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Celebrity guest to attend the DTM season opener at the Hockenheimring in Baden-Württemberg: MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 driver Nico Rosberg will be making a guest appearance in Hockenheim on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th May. The Grand Prix winner knows the DTM well from his time in the Formula 3 Euro Series which forms part of the support programme for the DTM. The last time he attended a DTM event was the corresponding fixture in 2012 when the season also opened at Hockenheim. This was shortly after he had claimed his maiden Formula 1 victory in the Chinese Grand Prix. He delighted fans at Hockenheim with demo laps in an historic Silver Arrow that had been driven by Juan Manuel Fangio in 1955.

Rosberg has a new role this season as mentor to the Mercedes-Benz DTM Junior Team, offering the young drivers guidance and support. Mercedes-Benz has taken a deliberate policy decision to invest in promising young talent for the upcoming DTM season. Of the three premium marques contesting the DTM, the constructor with the three-pointed star has the youngest team with an average age of 23 years. When he makes his debut in Hockenheim at the age of 18 years and 188 days, DTM rookie Pascal Wehrlein will be the youngest driver ever in the 28-year history of the competition.

There will be a press conference at 10am on Sunday 5th May in the Baden-Württemberg Center at which Nico Rosberg – alongside Mercedes-Benz Juniors Daniel Juncadella, Roberto Merhi, Christian Vietoris, Pascal Wehrlein and Robert Wickens – will be taking questions from the floor.

Rosberg will also be performing some driving duties, this time as chauffeur in the Mercedes-Benz DTM ‘race taxi’. Mercedes-Benz is offering one lucky winner a very special experience: a lap of the Hockenheimring as a passenger in a DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé driven by Nico Rosberg. To enter the competition, visit the official Mercedes-Benz DTM website at www.mercedes-benz.com/dtm . With a bit of luck, you could be seeing the DTM from a completely new and unusual perspective – from the cockpit of a Mercedes-Benz racing car.

Nico Rosberg: “I always take an interest in the DTM, because I’ve had some great times there with my father. I’m looking forward to watching those talented youngsters Daniel Juncadella, Roberto Merhi, Christian Vietoris, Pascal Wehrlein and Robert Wickens go about their business. The Mercedes-Benz Junior Team offers a marvellous opportunity to talented drivers, and I’m glad to be a part of it. I very much hope that one of the Mercedes drivers, whether a newcomer or a more experienced member of the squad, is able to bring the title back to Stuttgart after missing out so narrowly last year. And as a racer myself, I’m especially looking forward to driving the race taxi around the circuit. I’ve had the opportunity to drive a DTM car several times in the past, and it’s going to be great fun, not only for the fan who wins the ride but also for me, to share that very special feeling.”

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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AMG Customer Sports: Seasonal outlook 2013 - From the US to Japan – SLS AMG GT3 starts on five continents

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The customer sports program of Mercedes-AMG will take an active part in the 2013 racing year all over the globe. The SLS AMG GT3 will moreover start in the US for the first time. In the 2013 motorsports season, the race version of the gullwing car will take part in more than 22 race series on five continents. The German team H.T.P. Motorsport will enter three SLS AMG GT3 into the new FIA GT World. Seyffarth Motorsport will participate in the race series as well. The gullwings will fight for the overall victory in the 24-hour races of Nürburgring and in Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium). Three SLS AMG GT3 are expected to participate in the German ADAC GT Masters. Three teams will be facing the competition in the Japanese Super GT Series. Two SLS AMG GT3 were recently entered into the US American Pirelli World Challenge by the teams Black Swan and Green Hornet Racing.

In preparation for the season at the end of February 2013, a great number of AMG customer teams took advantage of the perfect conditions in the test and setting drives on „Autódromo Internacional do Algarve“ in Portimão (Portugal). All support units of the AMG customer sports program gathered on-site, providing professional support. With Bernd Schneider, Thomas Jäger and Lance David Arnold (all GER), the teams were provided advice and assistance by experienced race professionals.

Ola Källenius, chairman of the board, Mercedes-AMG GmbH: “Our customer sports program is in its third year now, and this is the first time that the SLS AMG GT3 will also participate in races in the United States. This is one indicator pointing out to an exciting 2013 motorsports season. Racing is an essential part of AMG and its DNA. In 2013, AMG again is based upon three pillars: With the SLS AMG GT3 customer sports program, the Mercedes AMG C-Coupé in the popular DTM and with the team MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS in Formula 1, AMG is based very broadly.“

Uli Fritz, head of AMG Customer Sports: “In the 2013 motorsports season we also hold on to our philosophy of merely using the SLS AMG GT3 for customer sports and not for factory entries. We continue to focus on providing the AMG customer teams with the best assistance possible. Not only the victories of the previous years, but also our impressive number of sold cars, which has in the meantime risen to 63 race gullwings, have shown the success of this strategy. We want to thank the teams, which are facing the third year of competition with us, for their confidence – moreover we are looking forward to receiving the new teams in the family of AMG customer sports.“

AMG starts in US American Pirelli World Challenge

For the first time in the history of AMG customer sports, two SLS AMG GT3 started in a race on the North American continent. In the first race of the new US American Pirelli World Challenge on the race track „Streets of St. Petersburg“ in Florida, Peter LeSaffre (USA) of Green Hornet Racing as well as Tim Pappas (USA) of Black Swan were behind the wheel. The Pirelli World Challenge comprises nine races, almost 30 vehicles will be competing in the GT class. Black Swan were among the top ten twice already in the first weekend, winning places 8 and 9. Green Hornet achieved solid results winning position 11 in the first race, in the second race, however, Peter LeSaffre had to retire from the race prior to end.

Successful start of the 2013 motorsports season

The customer teams Abu Dhabi by Black Falcon and Erebus Motorsport GT celebrated a successful start of the season in winter 2013. In both the Dubai 24 Hours (UAE) as well as the Bathurst 12 Hour race (Australia) it was a SLS AMG GT3 to cross the finish line first. The GT3 prelude in Europe will take place the coming weekend. In Nogaro, France, the new FIA GT World will celebrate its premiere (29th March to 1st April 2013). 26 cars, 16 teams and eight brands will be facing the competition in the successor series of the FIA GT World Championship, which existed for many years. H.T.P.-Gravity Charouz will enter three SLS AMG GT3 in the categories Pro Cup, Pro-Am and Gentlemen’s Trophy. Seyffarth Motorsport is also going to participate in the new FIA GT World.

The first race of the German VLN Endurance Championship Nürburgring had to be cancelled due to difficult weather conditions. The prelude of the VLN on the legendary Nordschleife (“north loop“) and the short circuit of the Grand-Prix course will take place on 13th April 2013. ROWE RACING and Car Collection will take part in the first VLN race, Black Falcon will have to skip the race because of an overlapping race.

Highlight of the season – 24 Hours Nürburgring

One of the traditional highlights of the German motorsports season is the 24 Hours Nürburgring – this year it will take place from the 17th to the 20st of May 2013. Black Falcon, ROWE RACING and Car Collection will be facing their strong competitors. Bernd Schneider (team Black Falcon), Lance David Arnold and Thomas Jäger (both team ROWE RACING) will support the customer teams as part of the AMG support program and take an active part in the endurance classic in the Eifel themselves.

Three SLS AMG GT3 in the ADAC GT Masters

In 2013, three SLS AMG GT3 will participate in the fight for the title in the ADAC GT Masters. H.T.P. Motorsport enters two cars into the race while Seyffarth Motorsport enters one. The ADAC GT Masters starts on 26th of April in Oschersleben and comprises 16 races. Two races take place every race weekend. The private TV station Kabel 1 again broadcasts all races live and in full length.

Blancpain Endurance Series – three teams in competition

In the Blancpain Endurance Series, three teams are facing the competition: Black Falcon from Germany enters two gullwing race cars. As in the previous years, the British team Preci-Spark will join the race. Fortec Motorsport from Great Britain is a new participant in this year’s race. The starting field of the Blancpain Endurance Series with about 60 cars is certainly going to show committing motorsports. The race in Monza, Italy on 14th April 2013 will be the prelude while the highlight of the season will be the 24-hour race of Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium on 27th and 28th July 2013. The final of the endurance championship takes place on Nürburgring on 22nd September 2013.

Five AMG customer teams starting in Asia

The SLS AMG GT3 will also play a great role in Japan. With RQ‘s Motorsport, Leon Racing, Gainer and Shift, four teams will participate in the Japanese Super GT. The PETRONAS Syntium Team will show its best performance in the Super Taikyu Series, in order to build on their success of 2012 and achieve a confident victory. Also in the Malaysia Merdeka Endurance Race lasting 12 hours, the PETRONAS Syntium Team wants to continue to be as successful as last year.

From Australia to Brazil

Besides the big championships, which are mainly held on European tracks, customer teams with the SLS AMG GT3 will also take part in races on the continents of South America and Australia as well as in smaller national race series:

- Australian GT-Championship: Erebus Racing

- Brazilian GT-Championship: AMattheis Motorsport

- British GT-Championship: Fortec Motorsport

- DMV TCC: ANTeam, Land Motorsport, Schütz Motorsport

- FIA CEZ: Premium Poland Motorsport

- French GT-Championship: Autosport Promotion

- GT Open: Seyffarth Motorsport

- Slovakia GT: TopCar Machének

- Spanish and Portuguese GT-Championship: Sports & You

- Supercar International Series: Sports & You

Walk of Fame in Affalterbach

The new Walk of Fame is a tribute to the numerous successes of AMG customer teams and their drivers: As in Hollywood, the names of all AMG team and driver champions as well as the AMG endurance champions of 12- and 24-hour races are being perpetuated on engraved stone flags. A statement by Ola Källenius, chairman of the board, Mercedes-AMG GmbH: “Through the Walk of Fame in Affalterbach we want to give thanks to our customer teams and their drivers for their encouragement. We are very proud that, around the world, we have managed to achieve such a great number of victories with the race gullwing car in the course of just a few years. I am looking forward to a successful season 2013 and a Walk of Fame that will be ever growing.“

~ Official photos and details courtesy of Mercedes-AMG GmbH ~

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In action for the 2013 FIA Formula One World Championship™: The SLS AMG GT and the C 63 AMG Estate help to ensure safety in Formula 1®

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In the new 2013 Formula 1® season, Mercedes-AMG will once again help to ensure safety at all Formula 1® races forming part of the FIA Formula One World Championship™. For the 18th year the performance brand of Mercedes-Benz is providing the Official F1® Safety Car and the Official F1® Medical Car. The SLS AMG GT with 435 kW (591 hp) and the C 63 AMG Estate with 358 kW (487 hp) will be deployed at the direction of Race Control officials usually when weather or incidents are considered to impact on the safety of a race. The two AMG high-performance cars had their first appearance at the opening race of the Formula 1® season in Melbourne/Australia (14 to 17 March) the 2013 FORMULA 1 ROLEX AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX. The second race of the season, the 2013 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix will take place this weekend.

The main reasons for intervention by the Safety Car are poor weather conditions or accidents. The Official F1® Safety Car is driven by Bernd Mayländer (from Germany) and his co-driver, the FIA‑employee Pete Tibbetts (from Great Britain). Bernd Mayländer: "We are on standby in the pit lane in the Official F1® Safety Car, waiting for a radio message from Race Control." When the need arises, the aim is to guide the field safely around the track until the danger no longer exists. The racing driver from Schorndorf has been the official driver of the Safety Car for the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) since 2000. As a former DTM driver he is also active as an instructor for the AMG Driving Academy and as a Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador at selected events.

Perfect super sports car genes as the basis for dynamic performance

The SLS AMG GT is the perfect car for the exacting requirements of Formula 1®. In keeping with the philosophy of Mercedes-AMG, the Safety Car does without technical modifications or retrofitted lightweight design measures as far as possible. The SLS AMG GT's outstanding driving dynamics come courtesy of its thoroughbred super sports car heritage: thanks to an aluminium spaceframe body, the Official F1® Safety Car tips the scales at just 1620 kg (DIN kerb weight). Thanks to the dry-sump lubrication system, it has been possible to install the V8 engine very low down, giving the vehicle a low centre of gravity. And as a result of the engine's positioning behind the front axle and the transaxle arrangement of the dual-clutch transmission on the rear axle, the car also has a favourable weight distribution ratio of 47:53 percent (front/rear). As is customary on super sports cars, aluminium double-wishbone axles to ensure high cornering speeds, precise turn-in characteristics and superb agility, as well as low mass inertia during sudden changes of direction are all part of the package with the SLS AMG GT.

The 6.3-litre V8 front mid-engine with a maximum output of 435 kW (591 hp) and 650 newton metres of peak torque is also the series-production version, as are the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission, the AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension, the AMG high-performance ceramic composite brake system and the weight-optimised AMG 10-spoke forged light-alloy wheels painted in matt black with a high-sheen finish. The rear silencer specially developed for the Safety Car generates an even more exciting V8 sound signature to thrill Formula 1® fans watching at the circuit as well as at home on TV. The SLS AMG GT accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, and reaches the 200 km/h mark after just 11.2 seconds.

Aerodynamically optimised roof light bar incorporating LED technology

The major distinguishing visual feature between the standard production SLS AMG GT and the Official F1® Safety Car is the roof light bar. It boasts an aerodynamically efficient profile and sits on a special carbon-fibre hood which ensures the most efficient airflow over the rear aerofoil, which automatically extends at speeds above 120 km/h. All of the bar's light functions are handled by LEDs which offer a fast response time and low power consumption.

- Green: the two centrally positioned green lights on the front and rear are lit up when the gullwing model joins the field at the start of a Safety Car phase. Permanent green is the signal for all Formula 1® drivers to overtake the Safety Car.

- Orange: as soon as the Safety Car has positioned itself in front of all of the Formula 1® racing cars, the green LEDs are switched off and the orange LEDs are switched on. The flashing orange lights on the outer ends of the bar indicate that no overtaking whatsoever is allowed.

The roof light bar also incorporates a TV camera, and a second camera located next to the rear number plate allows the driver and co-driver to keep an eye on the Formula 1® cars behind via a monitor in the cockpit. The special number plate on the rear, with "Safety Car" lettering and 700 green LEDs, provides additional safety in darkness or wet weather. Another important feature is the stroboscopic lights in the headlamps and tail lights. They are activated permanently and provide a general signalling function while the Safety Car is being deployed.

In action 13 times during nine races in the 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship™

In last year's Formula 1® season the Official F1® Safety Car went into action in nine of the 20 races. In 2012 the SLS AMG GT took to the track 13 times, covering 53 laps and a distance of 281 kilometres. The SLS AMG GT celebrated its Formula 1® debut at the 2012 FORMULA 1 SHELL BELGIAN GRAND PRIX, replacing the SLS AMG. As in previous years, the SLS AMG GT Official F1® Safety Car will be operational at all rounds of the 2013 FIA Formula One World Championship™.

C 63 AMG Estate: the Official F1® Medical Car

To accompany the Official F1® Safety Car in the 2013 season, Mercedes-AMG is once again providing the Official F1® Medical Car. As in the previous years since 2008, the C 63 AMG Estate will be responsible for ensuring a rapid emergency response in the event of an accident. The Medical Car follows the Formula 1® field during the initial lap, as the racing cars are still bunched extremely closely together during this critical phase of the race.

The 6.3-litre V8 engine of the C 63 AMG has the AMG Performance package and delivers an output of 358 kW (487 hp). High performance is also ensured by the variable coil-over suspension, the AMG high-performance braking system, AMG light-alloy wheels with tyre sizes 235/35 R 19 (front) and 255/30 R 19 (rear), the differential lock and 3-stage ESP®. Visually, the Medical Car is similar to the Safety Car: the light bar on the roof, the FIA and F1®logos, the stroboscopic LED lights at the front and rear, and the rear number plate illuminated with LEDs and with "Medical Car" lettering, distinguish the special Estate model from the standard production vehicle. To ensure the best possible airflow to the radiator, the AMG front apron also has larger intake apertures and side air vents.

Plenty of space in the boot for emergency equipment

The Official F1® Medical Car is driven by racing driver Alan van de Merwe (from South Africa); his co-driver is the official FIA Chief Medical Officer Dr Ian Roberts (from Great Britain). Two assisting medical personnel from a specially selected clinic near the race track sit in the rear. Four AMG sports bucket seats with six-point seat belts, two monitors integrated into the centre console for monitoring the race and a radio set for communicating with Race Control distinguish the interior of the Official F1® Medical Car from that of the standard production C 63 AMG Estate. There is plenty of space for all the emergency equipment – including a defibrillator and respiration apparatus – in the 485-litre luggage area of the C 63 AMG Estate.

18 years of Safety Cars and Medical Cars from Mercedes-AMG

Mercedes-AMG has extensive experience in the design, development and deployment of the Official F1® Safety Car and Official F1® Medical Car. The Affalterbach-based company has been active in the top echelons of international motorsport since 1996.

All the Mercedes-AMG Safety Cars at a glance

1996: C 36 AMG (W 202)
from 1997: CLK 55 AMG (C 208)
2000: CL 55 AMG (C 215)
from 2001: SL 55 AMG (R 230)
2003: CLK 55 AMG (C 209)
from 2004: SLK 55 AMG (R 171)
from 2006: CLK 63 AMG (C 209)
from 2008: SL 63 AMG (R 230)
from 2010: SLS AMG (C 197)
since 2012 (Belgian GP): SLS AMG GT (C 197)

All the Mercedes-AMG Medical Cars at a glance

1996: C 36 AMG (W 202)
1997: C 36 AMG (W 202); E 60 AMG (W 210)
from 1998: C 55 AMG Estate (S 202)
from 2001: C 32 AMG Estate (S 203)
from 2004: C 55 AMG Estate (S 203)
since 2008: C 63 AMG Estate (S 204)

The F1 FORMULA 1 logo, F1, FORMULA 1, FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, GRAND PRIX and related marks are trade marks of Formula One Licensing BV, a Formula One group company. All rights reserved.

~ Official photo and details courtesy of Mercedes-AMG GmbH ~

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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STIHL shifts focus of DTM involvement with Mercedes-Benz to car sponsorship – new driver Robert Wickens

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STIHL has reaffirmed its commitment to the DTM by signing up as a car sponsor with Mercedes-Benz. Commencing with the season opener at Hockenheim on 5th May, the logo of the world’s best-selling chainsaw will be displayed prominently on the orange and white corporate livery of the STIHL Mercedes AMG C-Coupé. Co-sponsoring the car driven by Robert Wickens will be the popular RTL II TV show ‘GRIP – The Motor Magazine’ and its sister print publication.

STIHL already has a track record in the world’s most popular touring car series, having been the official co-sponsor of the Mercedes AMG DTM team since 2009. But the company is also involved on the practical side, with its battery-powered BGA 85 blowers being used to cool the high-performance Mercedes-Benz DTM engines during qualifying and before the race. This represents a double benefit to the team: the mobile blowers eliminate the costly use of generators and electric fans, while at the same time they employ the latest battery technology to ensure clean, quiet and energy-efficient operation.

The enhanced performance of the electronically regulated motor ensures a powerful airflow that cools the engines rapidly and conveniently. These particular STIHL appliances are more normally seen clearing leaves and other green waste in parks and public gardens around the world.

‘GRIP – The Motor Magazine’ is a popular TV show that has been aired every Sunday since 2007 on the commercial TV channel RTL II, pulling in an average audience of 800,000 viewers for its regular 6pm slot. To mark the fifth anniversary of the programme, a bi-monthly print version was launched in late 2012. Within its 132 pages, the print edition features all those topics that make GRIP unmissable for its fans: thrilling action from the racetrack, one-off luxury cars and super sports models, classic cars and iconic figures from the motorsport scene. GRIP is synonymous for motoring enthusiasm and motoring authority.

Canadian driver Robert Wickens is about to embark on his second season in the DTM. In his debut year behind the wheel of a DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé, Wickens achieved three Top Ten positions and finished 16th in the championship on 14 points. Before making the move to the DTM, he acquired experience as a Formula 1 test driver with Marussia Virgin Racing and Lotus Renault GP.

Robert Wickens: “My orange and white STIHL Mercedes AMG C-Coupé is definitely one of the coolest designs seen on the DTM grid this year. In my whole racing career, I’ve certainly never seen a paint job that I liked better. Our goal now is to make sure that we don’t just look cool but are also fast.”

Wolfgang Schattling, DTM Management and Motorsport Communication: “I am delighted that we have been able to raise our longstanding cooperation with STIHL to a new level this season and that we now have them as our latest vehicle sponsor. Since the company was founded 85 years ago, it has been renowned for its revolutionary technology and innovative ideas. The name STIHL has become synonymous with cutting-edge technology and market leadership. This premium brand also stands for quality and service, values that align perfectly with those ​​of the premium car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz.”

Jürgen Fitting, Head of Marketing Communication at STIHL: “The outstanding engineering that goes into the Mercedes AMG racing car and the fact that Robert Wickens personifies the Canadian outdoorsman very much reflects our brand values, namely uncompromising professional quality. Both car and driver are perfect brand ambassadors for STIHL.”

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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F1 Gossip: McLaren's title sponsor Vodafone leaves F1 business at the end of 2013

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Starting last year, there has been some speculation regarding the possibility that leading global mobile communication provider Vodafone would not extend its partnership with McLaren-Mercedes beyond the 2013 Formula 1 season.

In a recent interview at the Australian Grand Prix going on this week-end, officials from Woking have admitted their official title sponsor is set to leave the competition at the end of this year as, according to statements from Vodafone, it managed to completely fulfill its targets set in 2007 when it entered Formula 1 to back the British team and thus it is now planning to take on new challenges outside the motorsports' world.

Moreover, McLaren executives have declared that an exciting announcement shall be made on 2nd December, right after the competition reaches finish line and the sponsoring contract with Vodafone as title partner expires. Meanwhile, McLaren is engaged to not make any comments on this subject and to not reveal the name of its future major sponsor.

Rumors indicate there are at least two major companies looking to secure their sponsorship for the Britons: American beverage producer Coca-Cola and Mexican telecommunication operator Telmex.

With Coca-Cola, most of the car's livery could be retained in the current styling as colours of the two corporations are highly similar. But with increased chances Telmex is the chosen company in the end according to inside reports, the exterior design of the future MP4-29 single-seater for the 2014 season could actually change quite a lot.

Just a quick remind: McLaren's newcomer Sergio 'Checo' Perez gets a substantial financial support for his F1 involvement from Mexican tycoon Carlos Slim, who also controls Telmex company. Draw yourself a conclusion... :)

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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Jenson Button and Sergio 'Checo' Perez - a perfect blend

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Jenson and Checo continue the trend of evolution through history.

Jenson begins his fourth season at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes as the team’s most experienced driver. Indeed, during his time here, he has won more races (eight) and scored more points (672) than during the rest of his 10-year Formula 1 career.

For 2013, he is keenly anticipating the opportunity to maximise all his skill and depth of experience to spearhead the development of the car across the championship season.

By contrast, Checo is starting only his third season in Formula 1, aged 23. Young, eager to learn, and already impressing the team with his ability to absorb information, he is perfectly poised to benefit from the team’s professionalism and experience as he develops and gathers pace during his important first season as a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver.

Our driver pairing is the perfect blend of youth and experience.

We will once again be targeting both the drivers’ and constructors’ world championships. The ongoing strength in depth of the organisation, plus the exciting addition of Sergio to the proven package of Jenson gives the whole team strong encouragement and motivation for the year ahead.

~ Official photos and details courtesy of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes ~

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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Vodafone McLaren Mercedes premieres new MP4-28 car for the 2013 F1 Season

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Vodafone McLaren Mercedes-Benz launched the new MP4-28 2013 title contender during a special presentation ceremony held at Woking, United Kingdom. The new driver lineup for the upcoming F1 season, consisting of former champion Jenson Button and newcomer Sergio 'Checo' Perez, has also been introduced in front of the media and guests invited at team's headquarters. Follow after the jump for the official press release and further technical data on the new McLaren-Mercedes MP4-28 single-seater. Enjoy!

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes launched its 2013 Formula 1 challenger and kicked off a year of 50th anniversary celebrations with a spectacular parade of classic racing cars at the McLaren Technology Centre this morning.

The parade brought to life a string of race- and championship-winning McLarens from across the decades, included 1970’s M8D CanAm sportscar, Emerson Fittipaldi’s iconic 1974 M23, Ayrton Senna’s dominant 1988 MP4/4, our 1995 Le Mans-winning F1 GTR, Mika Hakkinen’s MP4-13 car from 1998 and Lewis Hamilton’s 2008 MP4-23.

The display culminated in the arrival of our 2013 race drivers, Jenson Button and Sergio ‘Checo’ Perez – who arrived driving a development model of our new McLaren P1TM sportscar and a 12C Spider, respectively.

Evolution through history

The display of classic McLarens was a timely reminder of the weight of history that constantly hangs over a team with such high expectations each and every season. Following such a winning pedigree is the aim and intention of each and every man and woman who comes to work at McLaren every day.

And, for everyone involved in its inception, the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-28 is the logical culmination of everything we’ve ever done: it’s the sum of 50 years’ experience, expertise and passion.

The MP4-28 isn’t merely a refinement of last year’s seven-race-winning car, it’s a deep and sweeping re-design of an already successful chassis in several key areas – most notably around the nose and front suspension, the sidepod profiles and the rear bodywork.

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-28 Technical Specification
Chassis

Monocoque - McLaren-moulded carbonfibre composite incorporating front and side impact structures, and survival cell
Front suspension - Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pullrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement
Rear suspension - Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pullrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement
Electronics - McLaren Electronic Systems. Including chassis control, engine control, data acquisition, dashboard, alternator, sensors, data analysis and telemetry.
Bodywork - Carbon-fibre composite. Including engine cover, sidepods, floor, nose, front wing and rear wing. Driver-operated drag reduction system
Lubricants & Fluids - Mobilith SHC™ 1500 Grease – lubricates the four tripod joints on the drive-shafts resisting the high temperatures generated by the exhaust and braking systems / Mobilith SHC™ 220 Grease – minimises rolling resistance in the car’s ceramic wheel bearings to help maximise speed. / Mobil SHC™ Hydraulic Oil – running at over 200 bar and 100° C this fluid is an essential part of the hydraulic system which controls gear shift, the throttles and operation of DRS and steering systems
Tyres - Pirelli P Zero
Radio - Kenwood
Race wheels - Enkei
Brake calipers - Akebono
Master cylinders - Akebono
Batteries - GS Yuasa Corporation
Steering - McLaren power-assisted
Instruments - McLaren Electronic Systems
Paint solutions - AkzoNobel Car Refinishes using Sikkens products

Engine

Type - Mercedes-Benz FO 108F
Capacity - 2.4 litres
Cylinders - 8
Maximum rpm - 18,000
Bank angle - 90°
Piston bore maximum - 98mm
Number of valves - 32
Fuel - ExxonMobil High Performance Unleaded (5.75% bio fuel)
Spark plugs - NGK Formula 1 specification racing spark plugs
Lubricants - Mobil 1™ Engine Oil – for long engine life, protection and cooling combined with improved fuel economy
Weight - 95kg (minimum FIA regulation weight)

KERS Hybrid

Type - Mercedes-Benz
e-Motor - Engine-mounted electrical motor/generator
ESS - Integrated energy storage cells and power electronics
Power - 60 kW

Transmission

Gearbox - McLaren-moulded carbon-fibre composite / Integral rear impact structure
Gears - Seven forward and one reverse
Gear selection - McLaren seamless shift, hand-operated
Clutch - Carbon/carbon, hand-operated
Lubricants - Mobil 1 SHC™ Gear Oil – provides reduced fluid traction losses improving gearbox efficiency and delivering more power to the rear wheels

~ Official photos and details courtesy of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes ~

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Lewis Hamilton officially introduced as new MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS driver at Brixworth

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Lewis Hamilton has long had a piece of Stuttgart in his apartment in Monaco. Actually: Two pieces. Firstly, Michael Schumacher's helmet. He exchanged helmets with his predecessor in the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS team. In just the same way that football players swap shirts. And secondly the steering wheel from his new Mercedes AMG F1 W04, in which he will compete in the new season. To familiarize himself with it. "I want to win and I am 100% committed", said the 28-year-old British driver during his visit to Stuttgart on 21 January. "With the Silver Arrows and the visit to the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the AMG production I am beginning a new chapter". Nevertheless, the team must proceed step-by-step to close the final gap to the other top teams.

The 2008 Formula One champion has a type of "three-step plan": Firstly to successfully complete the races and score points. And then to make it to the podium and ultimately: To win races. As soon as possible and as many as possible. Before visiting Stuttgart, Lewis Hamilton had already toured the plants in Brackley and Brixworth where the new Silver Arrow is produced. "It is a privilege. I am incredibly proud to have become a part of Mercedes. They build the best cars in the world", he states. He wants to belong to a growing team. And contribute to its further success.

"I am very excited about the upcoming preparation and the races. The team is committed and this motivates me even more", explains Hamilton. However, 2014, the year in which Formula One will introduce the new hybrid engines, could see considerable progress both for himself and Mercedes, he predicts. However, he already intends to perform outstandingly in the Silver Arrows together with his team colleague and friend, Nico Rosberg: "I live to win. And I am working toward this goal."

~ Official photos and details courtesy of MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS ~

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