The F1 2012 Car Launch Thread

[truefan72]

that is one serious steering wheel mercedes has. It's getting a bit much now with the buttons imo
as to the W03 looks to be like its falling into line like all the other 2012 cars. Although the step nose seems more conservative like the ferrari's

[i_max2k2]

Here is another image
http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/wp-conten...w03_2012_2.jpg

and another one in high resolution:

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/wp-conten...ere_2012-1.jpg
Left click to zoom.

From the high res image it seems there is another air intake right where it says E, and its blowing air to the brake ducts as well or atleast it looks like that.

[Tazio]

From the high res image it seems there is another air intake right where it says E, and its blowing air to the brake ducts as well or atleast it looks like that.

Most definitely. I'm by no means an expert in these matters but If I had to take a wild guess; the intake by the E may be there to accelerate, and or cool exhaust gases over the rear aero parts by creating a venturi affect. Please don't quote me on this, because it is just a wild guess (unless I'm right)

[Flying lap]

Here is another image
http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/wp-conten...w03_2012_2.jpg

and another one in high resolution:

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/wp-conten...ere_2012-1.jpg
Left click to zoom.

Second link is thw W02

[Tazio]

Second link is thw W02

I stand corrected

[Flying lap]

Check this one. Its the same car.

Michael Schumacher, Mercedes GP Petronas F1 Team | Main gallery | Photos | Motorsport.com

[TheFamousEccles]

I love the sense of perspective you get from the overhead shot of the DTM and the F1 Mercedes parked together. Sweet looking racing cars both of 'em, IMO.

[AJP]

Hope this link works...

side view of all 2012 cars

[The Black Knight]

I was in Barcelona last week for two days of the testing. From what I saw there the McLaren looks very good on slow speed corners and gets on the power slightly earlier than the Red Bulls but I think the RBR still generates more downforce through the high speed ones than the McLaren, not much appears to have changed in that area since last year. McLaren have a huge upgrade coming for the next test which might close this gap. I'm sure RBR aren't standing still either. I honestly think that Mercedes will have leap frogged Ferrari, at least at the start of the year. That Ferrari didn't look like an easy car to handle to me at all, but hard to judge this considering they are trying out so many different things at the moment. All up in the air really, but the McLarens and RBR's look close.

[CNR]

F1: Marussia Fails FIA Crash Test and Delays Launch of New Car
Marussia Fails FIA Crash Test and Delays Launch of New Car

The Marussia Formula 1 team has been forced to delay the launch of their 2012 challenger, following a failed FIA crash test. The team's original plan was to debut the MR01 at the final pre-season test, which starts at the Circuit de Cataluña, in Barcelona, Spain, on 1 March.
However, in a statement released on Monday night, the team said: "The Marussia F1 Team is disappointed to confirm that the planned first test of its 2012 race car - the MR01 - has been delayed as a consequence of not passing the final FIA crash test. All cars are required to pass 18 FIA-observed tests for homologation to be granted.