Mercedes GP launches their W01 Formula One car

The Mercedes GP team, which took over 2009 Champions Brawn GP, launched their MGP W01 car ahead of testing at Valencia on Monday. The car is an evolution of the title-winning Brawn GP car, but features a different, unique V-shape nose for better air flow under the car.

The car was thrown into testing immediately at launch, with Nico Rosberg taking the car around the Valencia track. Felipe Massa topped the timesheets after two hours of testing, ahead of McLaren-Mercedes test driver Gary Paffett in the MP4-25.

Other drivers to take part in testing at Valencia were Sauber’s Pedro de la Rosa, Renault’s Robert Kubica, Williams’ Rubens Barrichello and Scuderia Toro Rosso’s Sebastian Buemi. Earlier, Rosberg had posed for photos at the Mercedes GP W01 launch with teammate and seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher.