The 2012 Challengers: The Mercedes W03

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What do you expect from Mercedes F1 in 2012 ?

They will make a significant step forward and win a few races and challenge for the Championship
63
45%
They will improve and finish 3rd in the Constructors' Championship
36
26%
THey will maintain 4th place in the Constructors' Championship
29
21%
They will drop back to fifth or sixth
12
9%
 
Total votes: 140

Ed
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The 2012 Challengers: The Mercedes W03

Post by Ed » Tue Feb 21, 2012 8:42 pm

The Mercedes F1 team officially launched their 2012 challenger at the Barcelona circuit.

MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS PRESENTS F1 W03 IN BARCELONA

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Mercedes-Benz this morning marked two world premieres at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, with the unveiling of the 2012 Silver Arrow, the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS F1 W03, and the first public sneak preview of the brand-new Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG. The new high-performance roadster, which develops 537 PS while delivering weight savings of 125 kg and 30% improved fuel economy, was introduced by Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher.

The new Silver Arrow, the F1 W03, has undergone an intensive programme of simulation testing at the team's technical bases in Brackley and Brixworth. This was followed by a filming day limited to 100 kms at Silverstone on 16 February, and a private test day in Barcelona on 19 February, during which the car ran for 354 km. Michael and Nico shared driving duties on both days.

The new car concept is based on a largely stable set of technical regulations, which nevertheless include two significant changes: revision of the maximum bodywork height at the front of the car, which encouraged the distinctive stepped-nose design; and new restrictions concerning the positioning of the exhausts, designed to prevent the aerodynamic benefit gained from exhaust gases during 2011, the so-called 'blown diffuser'.

The F1 W03 project was begun in May 2011 and is the first full car produced by a technical team that was strengthened last year with recruitments at every level of the organisation. The new car, which is composed of some 4500 parts compared to 4300 parts in 2011, has nevertheless achieved a lower core weight than its predecessor, is better packaged and more efficient. All mandatory FIA crash tests had been successfully completed at the first attempt by the end of the first week of January 2012.

"The F1 W03 is a car that I believe, and hope, our team can be proud of, and which will deliver the on-track results that everybody has worked so hard to achieve," commented Team Principal Ross Brawn. "Notwithstanding the distinctive nose design, which is certainly an acquired taste, the F1 W03 is an elegant interpretation of the current regulations, and a clear step forward over its predecessor in terms of detail design and sophistication. Last year, we produced a very bold car and, although its more radical elements didn't always deliver the results we had hoped for, the experience we gained has been invaluable to the design of the 2012 car. The F1 W03 is also a more integrated package, which reflects the ever-strengthening ties between our technical teams in Brackley and Brixworth, and demonstrates that our Silver Arrows works team is taking the next step forward in terms of on-track performance."

Nico, who drove the first laps in the F1 W03 on 16 February in Silverstone, commented: "We have had a good start to our 2012 testing programme, and it was a great feeling to drive the first laps in the new F1 W03. The car looks good, and is very nicely packaged under the bodywork - all the parts are in harmony, which reflects how well the different departments of our team are working together. From the beginning of our running, we have been able to focus on understanding the car and making good progress with our test programme. It will be very interesting to learn more about where we stand in the next few weeks."

Michael, who will complete the first full day of official testing with the new car today in Barcelona, commented: "I have done quite a few roll-outs and launches of new cars, but even after all these years, I must say it still feels special. Days like this are precious moments, as they are always filled with hope and anticipation. Already last week, when we were driving the F1 W03 for the very first time, it instantly gave us good feedback and sensations. Starting today, we will work intensively to make it a competitive runner. Obviously, we will only see over the next couple of weeks how big the step is that we have made, but I can say already that the guys and girls back in the factories at Brackley and Brixworth were brilliant in putting in so much effort, and we can only say a big thank you them. I know which reward they would like, and we will definitely try to deliver it. For my part, I am eager to fight again, looking forward to the new season, and I can't wait for it to begin."

Norbert Haug, Vice President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, concluded: "2012 will mark the third season for our Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows works team, which was introduced in January 2010, and our target is to take a step forward in on-track performance. A lot of work has been done throughout the last year, not just to design the new car but also to build a technical organisation that is capable of delivering to its full potential, with consistency. Our ultimate goal is to become regular race winners and championship contenders, and so to write another chapter of success in the story of the Silver Arrows which began 78 years ago. Our target this year is to take another step forward on that road."

Following the car's launch this morning, the F1 W03 will complete eight full days of pre-season testing over the next two weeks at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona.


MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS F1 W03

Chassis
Construction Moulded carbon fibre and honeycomb composite structure
Suspension Wishbone and pushrod/pullrod activated torsion springs and rockers
Dampers Penske
Wheels BBS forged magnesium
Tyres Pirelli
Brakes Brembo calipers
Brake discs/pads Carbon/Carbon
Steering Power assisted rack and pinion
Steering wheel Carbon fibre construction
Electronics FIA standard ECU and FIA homologated electronic and electrical system
Transmission
Gearbox Seven speed unit with cast aluminium maincase
Gear selection Sequential, semi-automatic, hydraulic activation
Clutch Carbon plate
Dimensions
Overall length 4800mm
Overall height 950mm
Overall width 1800mm

Engine
Type Mercedes-Benz FO108Z
Capacity 2.4 litres
Cylinders 8
Maximum rpm 18,000 (maximum FIA regulation)
Bank angle 90°
Piston bore 98mm (maximum FIA regulation)
No of valves 32
Weight 95kg (minimum FIA regulation weight)

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Last edited by Ed on Tue Feb 21, 2012 9:12 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Thaddeus
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Post by Thaddeus » Tue Feb 21, 2012 9:06 pm

A stab in the dark, but I went for finishing 3rd.

The Mercedes team was strengthened before the design of this car, which should help, and Schumacher's getting back to his old self (his race pace was better than Rosberg's, although he made too many mistakes still).

We could have an exciting scrap for 3rd and 4th. Depends how Ferrari, Lotus, Force India and Mercedes stack up. Not only that, every team has at least one exciting driver.

But will any be able to challenge Red Bull for top spot? I hope McLaren can.

Jim Watt
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Post by Jim Watt » Thu Feb 23, 2012 7:39 am

:D I agree with Thaddeus! I can't believe so many people think the Mercs will take podiums and wins this year!! :roll: Even moving up to 3rd means they have to 'bump' Ferrari, assuming that McLaren (in spite of Hambone's whining) manages to snatch a few more wins from Red Bull than they did last year (a not unlikely scenario). And, given that Merc has Ross Braun and two excellent drivers, bumping Ferrari is a genuine possibility. Because Ferrari STILL doesn't have a racing manager and a second driver. Getting around Fernando will be a challenge for both Michael and Nico, but I doubt that Massa will be a problem. Ah, another sad season for fans of the red cars :evil: :evil:

Jim Watt
My Racing Gods: Fangio, Vukovich; Senna & Mears --all racers all the time; graceful winners & generous in defeat, but never giving up!!

Thaddeus
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Post by Thaddeus » Thu Feb 23, 2012 6:23 pm

I agree with Jim!

I was the first to vote, but looking how others have voted I'm surprised by how optimistic they are. That said, I'd love it if the Silver Arrows were genuine contenders, but it would be a big leap from being 4th, and in a league of their own, to winning races and often getting podiums.

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