Team Mercedes GP Petronas presented in Stuttgart

The Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart was today the stage for the official presentation of the Mercedes GP Petronas Formula One Team. Nico Rosberg and seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher along with team management Ross Brawn, Nick Fry and Norbert Haug were introduced in the ceremony.

An audience of 600 guests, including 200 media representatives and 200 Mercedes-Benz employees, gathered at the Mercedes-Benz Museum to see the launch of the team and the unveiling of the new Silver Arrows livery.

After an opening welcome speech by Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg had the honour to unveil the new Silver Arrows livery for the 2010 season on last year’s car. The track debut for the the team’s 2010 car, the MGP W01, is set for Valencia on Monday 1 February, with the Formula One championship starting in Bahrain on 14 March.

Former Ferrari driver and seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher can't hide his high expectations over the new season and said “Finally the 2010 Formula One season is firing up! I have to say that I am totally committed to this new challenge. This season feels like a re-start for me and I am so motivated." He added "I cannot wait to get into the car for the first time in Valencia. I am convinced that Mercedes GP Petronas will be in a very good position to fight for the championships this season and I will definitely give it a go.

For Nico Rosberg driving the new Silver Arrows team car will be an honour but also motivates him “You can really feel the successful motorsport history of Mercedes-Benz here at the Museum in Stuttgart and to be part of the new Silver Arrows team and that racing heritage makes me feel extremely proud and motivated."

As for team manager Ross Brawn, he is the spokesman of a team that wants to start working on the track with the new MGP W01, "Our team has been working extremely hard throughout last year and over the winter on the development of the MGP W01 and everyone at the team is looking forward to the start of testing in Valencia next week."