Team Mercedes GP Petronas Reveals New 2010 Drivers and Car Livery

Mercedes GP unveiled its new livery for the 2010 season at its museum in Stuttgart just hours ago at an event attended by its two drivers Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg.

The 2010 car won’t be seen by the public until the first day of testing in Valencia on February 1, but the German car maker used the occasion to show off its new silver colour scheme on a year-old Brawn. Schumacher, who is making his F1 return after three years in retirement, said he felt as excited about driving in F1 now as he did when he first started with Mercedes’ junior programme in sports car racing in 1990.

“Finally the 2010 Formula One season is firing up,” he said. “I have to say that I am totally committed to this new challenge. This season feels like a re-start for me and I am so motivated. We have a very exciting combination at Mercedes GP Petronas. I cannot wait to get into the car for the first time in Valencia. I am convinced that Mercedes will be in a very good position to fight for the championships this season and I will definitely give it a go. Driving for Mercedes-Benz again is like the closing of a circle for me as I started my racing driver career with the three-pointed star on my helmet. This is another reason why I cannot wait for the competition to get underway.”

Ross Brawn, who worked with Schumacher at Ferrari and was instrumental to his decision to return to F1, will remain as team principal after selling the Brackley-based outfit to Mercedes over the winter. He said he was eagerly anticipating the new season and working with Schumacher again.

“It is a great thing, working with Michael again is a very special treat and something I didn’t think would happen again,” he said. “It’s so exciting and so motivational for me and the team to be involved. Nico is a very exciting prospect who will make a wonderful partner for Michael. Nico has been racing for a number of years but he will enjoy working with Michael and seeing how a seven-time champion operates. But also the final thing is being the part of a rebirth of a racing brand as iconic as Mercedes. It’s been 55 years since Mercedes had its own racing team. I have been very privileged in my career to be involved in special things but this is very exciting to be involved in.”

Rosberg said he was also excited to be part of the new team, and after denying rumours that he would be the No.2 driver last week, said he is expecting to score some good results over the coming season.

“You can really feel the successful motorsport history of Mercedes-Benz here at the Museum in Stuttgart and to be part of the new Silver Arrows team and that racing heritage makes me feel extremely proud and motivated,” he said. “I have seen how hard the team is working on the new car and I really can’t wait for the opportunity to drive it for the first time in Valencia next week. I am looking forward to working with everyone at Mercedes and will give it my all to reward their fantastic efforts with good on-track results this season.”

Source: ESPNF1
Image Credits: Sutton Images