Mercedes to launch F1 W06 Hybrid on first test day

The F1 W06 Hybrid will be presented in front of the world's media on the first morning of the test, prior to its official track debut at the hands of Nico Rosberg.

Rosberg is scheduled to drive the car on the first and third days of the test, with reigning World Champion Lewis Hamilton in action on the second and fourth days.

"The workload this winter has been as great as ever," said Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff.

"Where last year we were preparing for an all-new formula of racing, we are now faced with the big challenge of making the next step in our development.

"We know that we went into the winter with a target on our backs for the other teams – and we are certain that our rivals will be competitive from the opening race in Melbourne.

"So we have to focus on every detail if we want to build any advantage this year and that is what we have done.

"This is an exciting time of year as our collective efforts all come together in the new car. Everybody in Brackley, Brixworth and Stuttgart has put a great amount of effort into creating the latest Silver Arrow and I thank them for their efforts so far.

"We are excited to see how the car performs when it begins running."