• Mercedes

Mercedes hits the track with 2014 car

Mercedes has put the first 40km on its 2014 car by completing a filming day at Silverstone. It later released a brief YouTube audio clip of the car on track (above).

Nico Rosberg was behind the wheel of the new W05, giving it a shakedown in cold but dry conditions. The car left the garage at 14.21 in the afternoon and completed 40km before dusk at 16.30.

Under the current testing restrictions, teams are allowed to complete filming days on demonstration tyres, but the running will have been useful to start to weed out basic teething issue ahead of its public track debut in Jerez on Tuesday. The team also confirmed that its drivers would spend alternate days at the wheel next week, starting with Lewis Hamilton on Tuesday.

The team confirmed the W05 in question was a "full 2014 specification Formula One car".

Such a great feeling. Just drove my new silver arrow for the first time. It looks quick, but I don't know if it is quick yet!

— Nico Rosberg (@nico_rosberg) January 24, 2014

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.