• German Grand Prix

Mercedes confident car problems are solved

ESPNF1 Staff
July 22, 2010 « Vettel plays down home pressure | »
Mercedes has been refining its F-duct and blown diffuser since Silverstone © Sutton Images
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Mercedes is hoping to step up its performance at its home grand prix by refining the developments added to the car over the past two races.

At Valencia it introduced its blown diffuser but struggled with the concept and recorded its worst finish of the season. At Silverstone it reversed its form with a podium for Nico Rosberg, although Michael Schumacher still struggled. According to German reports the W01 is set to feature a development of its switchable F-duct system, as well as a refined blown exhaust at Hockenheim.

"We have worked hard," confirmed competition director Norbert Haug. "We have sorted out many of the problems we've seen in the last two races."

However, Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn remained cautious as the ban on in-season testing means the developments cannot be track tested until Friday morning practice.

"Unfortunately the wind tunnel can't simulate everything, like the impact of hot exhaust gases at high speed," he said. "But if everything works as planned, we can be confident."

Meanwhile, Schumacher has confirmed that he is committed to Mercedes until 2012 and that his aim is still to win an eighth drivers' title.

"I am still motivated to achieve my goals in the three years," Schumacher told reporters. "There's nothing to add. I'm not entirely happy with the results, but I didn't expect to drive everyone into the ground. Basically, I'm feeling good and having a lot of fun.

"When I came back [the target] was to win another title. That's what I'm here for, very clearly. I know the final target, where I want to go, I'm confident I can achieve it."

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