Mercedes aim at increasing their advantage in Barcelona

Mercedes are aiming to increase their already massive advantage over the rest of the field in Barcelona next weekend, citing “relentless efforts” from rivals to close the gap.

With the best power unit in the pack and a more than decent aerodynamic package, Mercedes has dominated the first four flyaway races of the season, winning all of them by a margin of at least 18 seconds.

Despite such supreme pace, the team’s executive director (business), Toto Wolff, is in no mood of being complacent. Rather, he wants the Brackley-based squad to march further ahead of the field.

“The first European round of the year always provides a prime opportunity for teams to arrive with improvements to their cars,” Wolff said. “Of course, we are no different to any other team in that respect and our aim must be to increase the advantage we enjoyed at the last race in China.

“We have seen already that our rivals are relentless in their efforts to close the gap. As a team, it is up to us to rise to that challenge: to take that relentless mentality to an even greater extent than those around us. If we are to build a sustained level of success in this sport, any small advantage must be seen as a platform upon which to build a bigger advantage.”

Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton, who is on a charge having won the last three races of the season, is aiming to carry the momentum in Barcelona and end his winless spell at the Spanish circuit.

“After three great weekends in Malaysia, Bahrain and China I’m obviously keen to get on to the next one and continue that positive momentum into the next leg of the season,” the 2008 world champion said.

“I’ve never won in Barcelona but I’m in a good place right now and I’m hoping that this will be the year, although it’s clear who the fans’ favourite will be! The circuit is fantastic, our car has performed well so far and I’m really looking forward to a good race,” he added.

Nico Rosberg, in turn, is expecting the real pecking order to emerge at the first “normal track of the year”.

“One of the special features of this race weekend is that it is the first race of the season in Europe”, Rosberg explained. “This marks the return of the team trucks and motorhomes to the paddock.”

“A crucial point in the season is reached at the Spanish Grand Prix where you can begin to determine the performance of your car compared to those of the other teams at the beginning of the summer season, which is an important moment for everyone.”

The Spanish Grand Prix will take place at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from 9-11 May.

By Rachit Thukral