You automatically build up this nice pre-start tension. Even if I have been involved and updated all winter on the developments, and even if I know the improvements are significant, it is still different to see the new car literally for the first time in front of you.

For us drivers, the break every year is hard to take because the gap between the last race and the first time out on track seems to be never-ending. 'Finally the waiting is over and things get started. The team's driver line-up remains unchanged with seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg, who achieved the team's three podiums in 2010, forming one of the most exciting and talented pairings on the grid. Also new on the car for this season is the adjustable rear wing, operated by the driver to aid overtaking, and Pirelli tyres as the Italian manufacturer becomes the sport's official tyre supplier. The Mercedes KERS system was the first to win a Grand Prix during the 2009 season when KERS made its debut in Formula One. The technical specification of the MGP W02 includes the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery) system which returns to the sport after a one-year absence. The interaction between the Silver Arrows heritage and the green shading representing the team's title partner Petronas evokes memories of the first Silver Arrow car of 1934 with a modern touch added by 3D partner logos. The car's livery is an evolution from its predecessor with a striking high-gloss airbrush effect highlighting the shape of the car.

The result of twelve months intense design and development work, the MGP W02 is the second Silver Arrows car to be launched by MERCEDES GP Petronas since the team became the first Mercedes-Benz works outfit since 1955. The debut of the MGP W02, the new Silver Arrow for the 2011 Formula One World Championship, took place this morning at the Valencia Circuit in Spain with the new challenger unveiled in front of the MERCEDES GP Petronas team garage by Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher.

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