The new model presented by the GP Mercedes team for the new season of Formula 1 debut as the team's second driver, Germany's Nico Rosberg, and not his compatriot Michael Schumacher, informed team boss Ross Brawn.
"Nico will be responsible for giving the first laps on the new car. It was the plan that we have always materialize before the return of Michael, "said Brawn.
Mercedes Grand Prix team will present next week in Stuttgart, but the new model of competition will run for the first time for the public on 1. St February in Valencia, where trials are started every team official to face new season.
The tournament begins March 14 with the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Brawn admitted that Schumacher, the world seven times, will need "several races to be in place, but so is the favorite to win the championship, ahead of Jenson Button defending champion or former world champions Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton.
"If I had to bet on any of them, clearly opt for Michael," said Brawn, who worked with Schumi in the seven Serie A titles with Benetton and Ferrari teams.
