Mercedes GP to launch car on 1 February

The Mercedes GP team will launch its 2011 challenger on Tuesday February 1, when pre-season testing gets underway at Valencia. The MGP W02 will be revealed by drivers Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg, who will take the covers off their new car in front of media in the pit-lane.

Mercedes is among a group of six teams to announce the date of its car launch ahead of the first test at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, and will be hoping for a significant step-forward in car performance this year. The outfit failed to match Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari last season, finishing fourth in the Championship with 214 points.

The team has not confirmed who will be taking to the wheel of its new car first, with both of its German drivers present on the opening day of the test, which takes place between February 1-3.