Mercedes made useful discoveries during the shakedown
After the release of their new race car last week, Mercedes conducted two days of limited filming at the Silverstone circuit, covering a maximum distance of 100 km, which went well.
With only three days allowed for winter testing, every kilometer covered will count. Prior to the winter testing in Bahrain, Mercedes, like its rivals, conducted a limited 100 km shakedown at the Silverstone circuit.
First George Russell, then Lewis Hamilton, took turns on board a W14 that will evolve from the first races. And despite the wet conditions, the seven-time world champion is encouraged by this first experience.
It’s wonderful to be able to start with W14. It’s always a highly anticipated moment by all the employees of the factory who have worked hard; I am incredibly grateful for all the efforts that have been made.
The day went smoothly, we followed a good schedule and left with useful insights. I felt generally comfortable behind the wheel of the car and I’m looking forward to starting the Bahrain [testing].
First driver to discover the new star machine, George Russell reaffirms that the first real tests will take place in Bahrain, even though the sensations on board the car are very good.
« It’s great to be on track with the W14. It was very cold and slippery today, but the car performed well and we were able to complete all the laps we were allowed to do. »
We know that the pre-season tests in Bahrain will be the first real test of the car. Nevertheless, it looks great on the track and the driving sensations have been very good so far.
The director of ground engineering at Mercedes, Andrew Shovlin, notes a solid launch without any issues despite difficult conditions.
The conditions were not ideal for filming or driving, but we covered the authorized 100 kms without any problems, and the two drivers were able to give us a good assessment of their first impressions of the car.
« Bahrain will be very different from a cold and wet Silverstone, but everything seems to be working well. I hope we can start next week and make the most of the three days of pre-season testing that we have. »
And precisely, at Mercedes, they are worried about only having three days of testing.
