Merceds, Williams and Toro Rosso launch thread

[woody2goody]

Well today sees the busiest day of the pre-season so far, with the first proper testing of the winter getting underway at Valencia.

Also, however, we should see the new car launches for reigning Constructors' Champions Mercedes, Williams, and Scuderia Toro Rosso.

What does everyone think will happen today in terms of the new machines for the aforementioned teams?

Liveries? Sponsors? Helmets? Designs?

For me it will be interesting to see whether Mercedes' efforts to win the 09 titles will have affected the development of the 2010 car. Apparently it hasn't at all, but we may see today...

[F1boat]

For me it will be interesting to see whether Mercedes' efforts to win the 09 titles will have affected the development of the 2010 car. Apparently it hasn't at all, but we may see today...

On the contrary, IMO it is likely that they have started preparing the new car since summer.

[christophulus]

The Mercedes is first:

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/merc_2010_vale_tw-470x227.jpg

[christophulus]

Swiftly followed by Toro Rosso:

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/toro_rosso_str5_2010_tw-470x230.jpg

[CNR]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81168

redbull & Toro Rosso still look like they will be hard to pick in the night races

[Giuseppe F1]

http://cdn.images.autosport.com/editorial/1265012775.jpg

TR looks real slick - some aggressive work to the front end - will be interesting how much the Red Bull may or may not look like this and to what degree they may still be sharing ideas etc.

[christophulus]

Hi-res Toro Rosso photo: http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2010/02/01/toro-rossos-str5-breaks-cover-pictures/96030629kr002_scuderia_toro/

Quite a high nose compared to the other cars that we've seen so far.

Just waiting for Williams now..

[Sonic]

The Mercedes is first:

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/merc_2010_vale_tw-470x227.jpg

Where the McLaren was futuristic, the Sauber bold, the Renault bland, the Merc looks sleek. the angle of the photo makes it difficult to see clearly but the nose would seem to fly in the face of what everyone else has shown so far and has stayed reasonably low. The rear of the sidepods don't seem to dive to the floor either - just a very smooth transition.

I like it.

[I am evil Homer]

Why change a winning formula...the lower nose worked for them last year.

[F1boat]

I have a good feeling for the Merc. IMO it is advanced, but developed from an already good car. This may be an advantage over radical challengers, who knows. Can't wait for the tests!

[I am evil Homer]

One thing that has struck me about both the STR and Mac (that will only be answered once we see the sngine cover off) is it a one piece construction? You'd assume not because if someone hits the rear wing it could dilodge the entire cover and that's a very big piece of debris.

[RJL25]

The STR looks like a re-worked version of last years car rather then an all new design.. could be wrong

[RJL25]

Also, the STR still has a pull rod rear suspension setup, which to me is an indication they are either using a re-developed version of last years car or they are going their own way from RBR this year because Adrien Newey said he wasn't going to do pull rod this year, he could have been lieing ofcourse though.

Red Bull's horns have been copied by a lot of teams, mercedes the latest team to copy the concept

[RJL25]

looks like a "banned" double diffuser to me.... http://www.f1today.nl/foto/7441/

why does the FIA even bother with rules!

[Powered by Cosworth]

looks like a "banned" double diffuser to me.... http://www.f1today.nl/foto/7441/

why does the FIA even bother with rules!

They're legal till next year

[RS]

The double diffiusers are not banned until next year.

I like the Mercedes, very nice looking. Best so far.

AFAIK, Torro Rosso are no longer allowed to copy the Red Bull and so the car is supposed to be of their own design (but yes, it looks like an evolved version of last year's car)

[Dzeidzei]

At the moment the beauty contest stands at:
1. Merc
2. Williams
3. Santander


Last place: all the finmodels with special mention to Sauber for not having any sponsors.

[SGWilko]

At the moment the beauty contest stands at:
1. Merc
2. Williams
3. Santander


Last place: all the finmodels with special mention to Sauber for not having any sponsors.

Who is team Santander? McLaren or Ferrari????

[Dzeidzei]

Who is team Santander? McLaren or Ferrari????

As McL is listed in the sharkfin cars, Santander must be Ferrari :)

[turismo6]

Red bull launched the RB5 with no fin, but use it in 08 and 09 and im sure the 08 ferrari had it. So the fin can make a come back to the Ferrari.

[DazzlaF1]

Is it me, or do the front wing supports on the Williams look narrower than the width of the nose?

Either way, it looks awesome.

[christophulus]

At the moment the beauty contest stands at:
1. Merc
2. Williams
3. Santander


I'll second that. The Williams is a good looking car (again), but whether it's fast is another matter. The McLaren is the best looking of the lot though.

[turismo6]

What are the extra openings on the airbox for?

[maximilian]

What are the extra openings on the airbox for?
Air, probably. :D

Any test times posted anywhere yet? :s mokin:

[DazzlaF1]

Overall view of the Toro Rosso

http://www.tororosso.com/PageFiles/31057/96030629_MT_6183_DA2A0FFDDBBAB6DDB78F81EE9D9F5081_ 960.jpg

[maximilian]

Air, probably. :D

Any test times posted anywhere yet? :s mokin:
Answered my own question:

http://www.f1today.nl/uitslagen/testsessies/2010/02/01/circuit-de-la-comunitat-valenciana

[maximilian]

Overall view of the Toro Rosso


Good example of simply "too busy" livery. It looks a bit like the car rammed a painter's scaffolding and got splashed with a couple buckets full of paint at high speed :p : I am also getting kinda tired of that bull graphic... it's been a few years now... time to come up with something new.

[DazzlaF1]

Answered my own question:

http://www.f1today.nl/uitslagen/testsessies/2010/02/01/circuit-de-la-comunitat-valenciana

hmmm, the Sauber showing great pace