Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS team eyes good results

Mercedes-Benz is a grandee name in motor sport, with the first Mercedes having been built as a bespoke racing machine in 1901 that set a standard of success for future generations. Among the marque’s many achievements are Grand Prix victories in 1908 and 1914; European Grand Prix Championships in 1935, 1937 and 1938; victories at Le Mans, the Mille Miglia and Targa Florio and, of course, Formula One world championships in 1954-55.

This latest incarnation of the Mercedes-Benz ‘Rennabteilung’ is of course the rebranded BrawnGP team of 2009, itself built by Honda from the ashes of British American Racing. After bringing the Mercedes brand back to Formula One in Bahrain after its 55-year hiatus, and bringing with it the return of Michael Schumacher, great things were intended to have happened by now.

Great things have yet to appear, however. Neither the 2010 or 2011 cars appeared pleasant to drive, while Michael Schumacher’s return has not featured the same lustre or command of his early years. Nevertheless there is cause for optimism in 2012, with another Brawn-inspired interpretation of the rules catching the other teams on the hop, Schumacher clearly intent on improving his fortunes and the ongoing presence of Nico Rosberg as a potential race winner.