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Jan
25th

F1: Mercedes tests all-new W05 at Silvertone filming day (+video)

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From GMM

Mercedes' all-new, V6-powered formula one car was in action on Friday.

Mercedes even released audio of Nico Rosberg speeding past at the wheel of the unlaunched W05 for a 'filming day' at Silverstone.



Also running at Silverstone was the locally-based Force India's VJM07, with Nico Hulkenberg at the wheel, while both of Toro Rosso's drivers were running in the newly Renault-powered STR9 at Misano in Italy.

Audio clips of the V6 engines on test benches had raised alarm bells among some F1 fans, but the new Mercedes clip - where the turbo whistle could be easily heard - was warmly welcomed.

"You guys had scared me with the sound of that engine test you posted last year," one commenter wrote, "but once in the track it sounds wonderful."

McLaren's Jenson Button agrees: "From what I've heard it still sounds pretty good.

"It's a real mix of sounds because you've got the turbo, so it's quite an unusual sound. But I like it, it sounds good."

But Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports that a slight dispute is in the making between the three V6 makers Mercedes, Renault and Ferrari.

The dispute is over whether a protective cover for the turbocharger, weighing a crucial 3 or 4 kilograms, is necessary.

Mercedes and Renault argue that the cover is needed for safety reasons in the event of a turbo failure, but Ferrari wants to leave the cover off.

"Next week there will be a clarifying conversation with the FIA," wrote correspondent Tobias Gruner.

"Renault will apparently show a film of what happens when a turbocharger explodes."


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