Mercedes GP to Debut "B" Car in Barcelona

The Mercedes W01 is obviously not a winning car this year, as the car designed by Mercedes GP is currently struggling to score a podium in the championship. Last week, some reports in Germany have hinted that the German officials agreed on a bold move for the 2010/11 campaigns, meaning that if the W01 won't become a race winner by June this year, the Brackley officials will switch development to their 2011 machine.

In order to avoid that – not only because it would mean that they've ruined one F1 campaign, but because the Germans do have a sense of pride in general – Ross Brawn seems to have prepared a major update for the Spanish Grand Prix, scheduled to open the European season of Formula One in early May.

No doubt about it, the Spanish GP on Circuit de Catalunya will see every single car of the 24 present on the 2010 grid suffer dramatic aerodynamic changes, as each will want to start the European campaign on a high note. However, according to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, Mercedes GP is planning a drastic update, with the “weight distribution, rear suspension and the gearbox housing” being completely changed.

“Changes as fundamental as a revised wheelbase are reportedly part of the package, which will require the 'B' car to undergo all new FIA crash tests,” said a report from the GMM news agency, quoting the aforementioned source.

The drivers also confirmed that some new changes are in store for the 2010 Spanish Grand Prix, with podium-clincher Nico Rosberg expressing his excitement over finally having a car to challenge for race wins with.

“We have very good developments coming, and I cannot wait,” said Rosberg, while Schumacher warned: “We will take a big step, but the others move forwards as well.”