Lewis Hamilton believes he has the car to succeed and secure his second Formula 1 world title in 2014.
The Mercedes W05 proved to be the most reliable of this year's machinery in winter testing, completing a total of 974 laps over the 12 test days. This enabled the team to switch focus to performance running and race simulations earlier than its rivals.
Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg set the second and third fastest times from the two Bahrain tests, just behind the Williams of Felipe Massa.
With the 2014 Australian Grand Prix just around the corner, the 2008 world champion believes he has the equipment to add to his title tally this year.
"I think we're as ready as we can be for Melbourne and I'm more fired up than ever," he said. "With all the changes within the sport and the hard work that's been going on within the team, I believe this can be our year to really show what we're capable of.
"That's not to take anything away from our opposition, who will be incredibly tough to beat as always, but I feel like I'm equipped with the tools I need to succeed. I can't wait to get started."
Team-mate Nico Rosberg was pleasantly surprised by the team's pre-season progress and despite being similarly optimistic for the year ahead; he warned that it is risky to predict where the W05 will sit in the competitive order.
"Overall, I think our winter testing programme went better than expected," said the three-time race winner. "Having said that, the first Grand Prix is the first real opportunity to judge how well we have done against our competition.
"Pre-season doesn't tell the full story, especially this year with the new regulations. I'm really looking forward to getting the season underway and can't wait to be back in the car again."
Toto Wolff, executive director (business), said expectations ahead of the season opener are high and added that the team is still not where it wants to be.
"The new regulations have been a massive challenge for everybody involved, and the team has been pushing flat out to get the car to where it is now as we approach the first race in Melbourne," said the 42-year-old. "While it is true that the quickest car with the quickest drivers will win, reliability will be a key factor. We want to bring both cars to the flag in the best possible position.
"We now face the ultimate reality check in the first race of this new era for Formula One. The feeling within the team is not one of nerves, however. It is more a sense of relief to finally be unleashing our cars in race conditions. Everybody now just wants to get out there and see where we stand. Expectations are high, both internally and externally.
"Although we're not quite where we want to be right now in terms of a complete package, I'm optimistic in that we've done everything possible to prepare for the challenges ahead. I think people are going to be pleasantly surprised by the new cars: the noise, the speeds and ultimately the lap times."
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| © Octane Photographic |
Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg set the second and third fastest times from the two Bahrain tests, just behind the Williams of Felipe Massa.
With the 2014 Australian Grand Prix just around the corner, the 2008 world champion believes he has the equipment to add to his title tally this year.
"I think we're as ready as we can be for Melbourne and I'm more fired up than ever," he said. "With all the changes within the sport and the hard work that's been going on within the team, I believe this can be our year to really show what we're capable of.
"That's not to take anything away from our opposition, who will be incredibly tough to beat as always, but I feel like I'm equipped with the tools I need to succeed. I can't wait to get started."
Team-mate Nico Rosberg was pleasantly surprised by the team's pre-season progress and despite being similarly optimistic for the year ahead; he warned that it is risky to predict where the W05 will sit in the competitive order.
"Overall, I think our winter testing programme went better than expected," said the three-time race winner. "Having said that, the first Grand Prix is the first real opportunity to judge how well we have done against our competition.
"Pre-season doesn't tell the full story, especially this year with the new regulations. I'm really looking forward to getting the season underway and can't wait to be back in the car again."
Toto Wolff, executive director (business), said expectations ahead of the season opener are high and added that the team is still not where it wants to be.
"The new regulations have been a massive challenge for everybody involved, and the team has been pushing flat out to get the car to where it is now as we approach the first race in Melbourne," said the 42-year-old. "While it is true that the quickest car with the quickest drivers will win, reliability will be a key factor. We want to bring both cars to the flag in the best possible position.
"We now face the ultimate reality check in the first race of this new era for Formula One. The feeling within the team is not one of nerves, however. It is more a sense of relief to finally be unleashing our cars in race conditions. Everybody now just wants to get out there and see where we stand. Expectations are high, both internally and externally.
"Although we're not quite where we want to be right now in terms of a complete package, I'm optimistic in that we've done everything possible to prepare for the challenges ahead. I think people are going to be pleasantly surprised by the new cars: the noise, the speeds and ultimately the lap times."
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