Almost perfect start for Mercedes in Melbourne

The Mercedes W06 Hybrid remain the standard values ​​for the moment. After the first two practice sessions in Melbourne, Australia, Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton dominated the debates with a certain margin over the competition. The German also believes that a new duel between the two drivers is looming. “Today we have proof that the W06 is still fast, and it’s a great start for the team. I'm very happy with my long stints, but on just one lap I still need to work on the pace, because I have some understeer with the car. It looks like it's still very close with Lewis so I have to tweak the settings every moment to be in front. This year is going to be a big fight with Lewis, I'm sure. » Rosberg explains.

The World Champion, just like his boss Toto wolff, however, want to remain cautious in the face of competition. “We have a good rhythm, indicates the Briton. But there are other fast cars, and we can't show up on track tomorrow without thinking they will be close. »

“It will be tight with Ferrari et Williams also, Wolff says. Of course, we do not know the quantities of fuel, nor the modes on which the engines were used. » The third free practice session will begin tomorrow at 4 a.m. French time, before qualifying scheduled for 7 a.m. The first photos of the Australian Grand Prix can be viewed here.