UAE F1 Grand Prix 2012: Friday's Free Practice Report (MBAMGF1)

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Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg completed the opening practice sessions today for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

• The first practice session took place in sunny conditions with the light fading to darkness during the second session
• Michael and Nico completed 55 laps each of the 5.554 km Yas Marina Circuit
• The team focused on set-up and tyre evaluations, along with work specifically targeted towards the 2013 season

Nico Rosberg
“That was a good testing day, and we were able to evaluate a lot of different things. Unfortunately we are still lacking some pace but I hope that we can achieve some points with a good strategy tomorrow and on Sunday. Generally tyre degradation is not as big as last year, so it will be interesting to see how the race turns out.”

Michael Schumacher
“Today we saw what I would call a ´normal´ Friday - doing certain programmes, changing the set-up and typical data collection work. What we saw at the end of the day is probably where we are, so a pretty realistic picture. At the moment we are driving to finish in the points, and that is what we will target for the weekend. On a different note, it really is impressive and beautiful to drive here, and to drive from daytime into the night really is special.”

Ross Brawn
“We completed a very useful programme today, and worked through a number of evaluations, particularly looking ahead to next year. The balance of the car looks reasonable after the first two sessions, although there are some areas still in need of improvement. The midfield is very tight again, so we will work on our performance on new tyres to ensure that we can qualify as strongly as possible tomorrow. As always, the facilities here at the Yas Marina Circuit are extremely impressive, and the amount of fans enjoying the unique atmosphere is great to see.”

Norbert Haug
“A Friday test day for us with no surprises. We ran through our planned programme and at the end of the second session we performed long runs during a race simulation with quite consistent lap times.”

~ Official photos and report courtesy of MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS ~

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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World Debut at the 2012 Essen Motor Show: The BRABUS Tuning Program for the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class

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Powerful engine tuning, elegant and efficient aerodynamic-enhancement components, alloy wheels with diameters of 17, 18 and 19 inches, sporty-comfortable suspensions, exclusive interiors: Right on time for the market launch of the new Mercedes A-Class, BRABUS presents an exclusive tuning program backed by the peerless BRABUS Tuning Warranty® of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers/62,000 miles.

Sporty elegance characterizes the BRABUS bodywork program for the new Mercedes A-Class. It not only sets attractive visual highlights, it also further optimizes the car’s aerodynamics. All components are manufactured in OEM quality from high-grade polyurethane.

The BRABUS front spoiler for the AMG Sport equipment line is designed to be attached to the lower part of the fascia. It gives the A-Class an even more dynamic appearance. But that’s not all: The shape of the spoiler was optimized in the wind tunnel and further reduces aerodynamic lift on the front axle. A BRABUS rear spoiler for further reducing lift on the rear axle is under development.

The BRABUS rear-fascia insert for the AMG Sport bumper is shaped like a diffuser. Its custom-tailored cutouts provide the perfect backdrop for the four tailpipes of the BRABUS stainless-steel sport exhaust system.

BRABUS alloy wheels in OEM quality add even more fascination to the new A-Class and give it even more agile handling. For this purpose the BRABUS suspension engineers and test drivers have developed custom-tailored tire/wheel combinations with diameters of 17, 18 and 19 inches.

The largest option for the Mercedes compact class features BRABUS 8.5Jx19 wheels that come in five striking designs: Monoblock E, F, Q, R and S. The BRABUS technology partners Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA supply the matching high-performance tires up to size 255/30 R 19 on the rear axle.

The BRABUS sport springs for the Mercedes A-Class were developed specifically for use with sporty low-profile tires. Extensive driving tests resulted in an optimal symbiosis of sporty handling and a high level of ride comfort. What is more, the ride-height lowering by about 25 millimeters also benefits the car’s looks.

BRABUS offers the world’s largest engine tuning program for Mercedes-Benz automobiles. The top priority in all BRABUS engine developments is the symbiosis of high performance, excellent running smoothness, exemplary eco-friendliness and durability beyond reproach. BRABUS recommends high-performance lubricants from MOTUL. Performance tuning for the gasoline and diesel engines of the new Mercedes A-Class is in the final stages of development.

The fully stainless-steel BRABUS sport exhaust system with two chrome-plated tailpipes on the right and left side of the vehicle is available for all A-Class engines. The exhaust system produces a sporty but never obtrusive exhaust note.

BRABUS also offers numerous refinement options for the interior of the new A-Class. The portfolio includes bi-color stainless-steel scuff plates with BRABUS logo, matt anodized BRABUS aluminum pedals and door lock pins.

Especially soft yet extremely durable BRABUS Mastik leathers and the finest Alcantara are transformed by the BRABUS upholsterers into the dream cockpit of the A-Class owner with loving attention to detail. The choice of upholstery color and design is as limitless as the scope of the transformation: The options range from a completion of the ex-factory leather upholstery to an exclusive BRABUS all-leather interior.

~ Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS GmbH ~

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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BRABUS CAR CONFIGURATOR: Your Dream Car via Mouse Click

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With the new marketing tool „BRABUS Car Configurator“ every automotive enthusiast is now able to configure their own dream car on the company website of BRABUS. For its launch, the virtual tuning factory is available for the current CLS-Class as well as the SLS.

The user can customize the exterior with BRABUS aerodynamic components and wheels, then give the vehicle its individual note in the following steps. This is made with design elements as well as technical components. Furthermore, BRABUS engine tuning and bespoke BRABUS Fine Leather interior conversions can be selected additionally, of course.

Apart from different viewpoints of the desired vehicle, the menu offers a model-specific overview of the available customization components. The final configuration can then be sent directly to BRABUS or to the nearest BRABUS dealer, where a competent contact person will be further advising the prospective customer.

The configurator is available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year at www.brabus.com/configurator. Shortly this tool will also include the product portfolios for the current M-Class and the SL.

~ Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS GmbH ~

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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