Mercedes GP clears the initial FIA tests
After Ferrari, it is Mercedes GP now that has cleared the compulsory FIA crash tests with its 2011 car. This Monday, the team has been reported to have undergone the initial tests for its newly designed car, the W02, which has met the standards set by FIA
for the soon to begin 61st season of Formula One.
On the 31st of December 2010, the Italian squad, Ferrari was reported to have undergone a similar test for its new car and was successful in passing the test without any issues. The testes were held at the CSI facility near Milan, and Ferrari
believes that this is the first good sign for the upcoming season.
This Monday, as Mercedes passed the FIA test, the Brackley based team also had another reason to be happy for other than clearing the initial tests. Its driver, and the seven times world Champion, Michael Schumacher celebrated his 42nd birthday
amidst his teammates at the factory. The team, despite having embraced a very disappointing 2010 season, is looking forward for a better 2011 season. The team has been the first one last year to stop developing its 2010’s car and turn all the focus on its
next year’s package. By the mid of last year, the team boss, Ross Brawn accepted the fact that they have already lost both the drivers’ as well as the constructors’ Championship. After the summer break he announced that the team will be no more working on
the current car, rather he wishes to put all the energy and resources on next year’s package and will come back very strong in 2011.
Owning to the fact that this team has taken a lot of time in developing its car, and above all, for having statistically the best racer of the world under its umbrella, Schumacher, it is largely believed that it will come up as one of the strongest contenders
on the 2011 grid. Also, the junior German in the team, Nico Rosberg is also in a great form and demonstrated some very strong races last year, which makes the team as well as everyone else, anticipates seeing the driver return very competitive this year.
Now, the next team which is expected to take the FIA tests is Force India. It is reported to undergo these teats later today.