New F1 Merc unveiledposted in F130 | 01 | 2011

TWO DAYS before it makes its first public appearance in the opening Formula One test in Valencia on Tuesday, Mercedes has released the first image of its 2011 racer, the MGP W02.

Two days after Ferrari unveiled its F150, the computer-generated head-on image of the new Merc gives us an early hint of its look, and early indications are the car has a more traditional airbox design and a higher nose than last year's model.

There's also subtle tweaks to the car's livery with additional green highlighting for main sponsor Petronas, and a slightly different silver for the main colour scheme.

Seven-times world champ Michael Schumacher, who will race again for the team after a frustrating 2010, will be desperately hoping the car is more competitive than last year's.

The German, who will again be teamed with Nico Rosberg — who finished on the podium three times last year, helping Mercedes to fourth in the constructors' championship — will also he hoping the car is better-suited to the new Pirelli tyres to be introduced for the 2011 season.

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Jim McGill