Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG spreads its gullwings, flies to Frankfurt

The Frankfurt floodgates have opened and we find ourselves in the midst of a deluge of supercars. This time we've received a batch of photos of Mercedes-Benz's revival of the 300SL Gullwing, the SLS AMG.

Under the SLS AMG's long hood is a version of the V-8 that we've seen powering every Merc of this generation with an AMG badge--although, this time the engine actually displaces 6.3-liters. Output has been tuned to 563 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The extra power comes partially from all-new intake and exhaust systems and a rejiggered valve train.

Power flows through a SpeedShift 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and down an exotic carbon fiber driveshaft before meeting the road at the rear wheels. The gearbox features three driving modes for Comfort, Sport, and Sport plus, as well as an automated manual mode. Sixty miles per hour happens in a blistering 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 197 mph.

Dispite its wing doors, the SLS AMG is more at home on the road than in the sky.
(Credit: Mercedes-Benz). Of course, the SLS' real draw is it's design homage to the 300SL Gullwing. In addition to the wingdoors that hinge upward from the roof, the also SLS features the classic long-hood, short overhang design of the sports cars of old, with a small passenger compartment mounted just ahead of the rear axle.










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Mercedes SL63 AMG 2009 F1 Safety Car

The SL63 AMG, as the Official F1 Safety Car, and the C63 AMG Estate, as the Official F1 Medical Car, are to continue to help ensure maximum safety, this time for the 2009 Formula 1 season. AMG, the performance brand of Mercedes-Benz, will be on duty with the two specially prepared high-performance vehicles at all 17 of the new season’s Formula 1 races, starting with a first appearance at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne (27 to 29 March 2009). The specialists from the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO are responsible for the development, production and servicing of the vehicles.

The Official F1 Safety Car is always deployed whenever the safety of a race is threatened by accidents, adverse weather conditions or other hazardous situations. Sitting behind the wheel of the exceptional SL63 AMG will be Bernd Mayländer (Germany, 37 years of age). After receiving instructions from the race management, the former DTM driver must go to the head of the Formula 1 field and safely guide the world’s fastest racing drivers around the circuit. Fast lap times area must for the Safety Car, because otherwise the Formula 1 engines would overheat – and their tyres and brakes would also cool down excessively.

As in 2008, the role of the Official F1 Safety Car is also being fulfilled during this year’s new season by the Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG. Its distinctive driving dynamics are a basic requirement for its challenging Formula 1 assignment: the AMG6.3-litre V8 engine has a power output of 386 kW/525 hp, providing acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. A newly developed AMG sport exhaust system with larger pipe diameter and special rear silencers allows the high-revving AMG naturally aspirated engine to breathe even more freely – and gives it an even sportier sound. Outstanding driving dynamics are guaranteed by the newly developed AMGSPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission with column shift, which makes it possible to change gear in just 100 milliseconds.

Special coil-over suspension and cooling measures
Optimum racetrack performance is guaranteed thanks to the specially developed coil-over suspension, which can be customised to a specific racetrack by means of individual suspension setup configurations. The combination of 3-stage ESP® and rear-axle differential lock with 30 percent locking effect provides optimum traction in all weather conditions. In the interests of reliability even at tropical ambient temperatures, the vehicle incorporates large-size, additional coolers for engine oil, transmission oil, coolant and power steering.

Special cooling measures and heavy-duty composite braking system
The front and rear axles feature 19-inch extra-light AMGforged light-alloy wheels. The 8.5-inch (front) and 9.5-inch (rear) rims are fitted with tyres of size 255/35 and 285/30, respectively. The design of the rims, with their intricately styled double spokes, optimizes both the cooling of the highly stressed braking system and the specially engineered cooling-air flow. Optimum fatigue resistance and best-possible deceleration values are among the self-evident characteristics of the AMGhigh-performance braking system, which is equipped all round with internally ventilated composite brake discs. The front axle is fitted with six-piston fixed callipers and discs of size 390 x 36 millimetres, while the rear axle features four-piston fixed callipers with brake discs of size 360 x 26 millimetres.

220 kilograms lighter than the series-production vehicle thanks to targeted lightweight design measures Thanks to targeted lightweight design measures, the SL63 AMG Safety Car weighs in lighter than its series-production counterpart – and this is despite additional cooling measures, lighting system and communications equipment. The engine bonnet, front and rear aprons, front wings and luggage compartment lid are produced from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic, a material that has been tried and tested in motorsports. Since the Safety Car is always driven with its top up, the vario roof has also been dispensed with. The result is a weight reduction of 220 kilograms, with the Safety Car weighing in at just 1750 kilograms (with a full tank and without occupants).

Apart from its special roof attachments and F1 logos, the SL63 AMG Official F1 Safety Car is distinguished from the standard-production AMG high-performance roadster by a front apron with larger cooling-air openings. A prominent feature at the rear of the vehicle is the modified diffuser insert in the rear apron, which incorporates the active rear-axle cooling, this compensating for temperature peaks in the highly stressed differential housing. The white LED flashlights in the headlamps and tail lamps are always in operation whenever the vehicle is in use and have a neutral signalling function. The number plate with Safety Car lettering on the rear is illuminated by means of almost 700 LEDs and guarantees even greater safety, particularly in rain or darkness.

Interior with undiluted motorsport flair
The inside of the Safety Car is dominated by an atmosphere of undiluted motorsport flair. The workplaces of Bernd Mayländer and his co-driver feature two AMGsports bucket seats with 4-point seatbelts, trim parts in real carbon fibre, black leather appointments and the AMG performance steering wheel with its 365-millimetre steering wheel rim, flat underside and AMGaluminium shift paddles. The centre console is equipped with two monitors to enable the crew of the Safety Car to supervise the action on the racetrack, while the two-way radio system allows them to remain in contact with the race management.

C63 AMG Estate: the Official F1 Medical Car
In addition to the Safety Car, another permanent feature of each Formula 1 race is the C63 AMG Estate Official F1 Medical Car. At the start of every Grand Prix, the high-speed AMGestate car follows the Formula 1 field on the first lap. This is because the first lap represents a critical phase of the race in which the Formula 1 vehicles are especially tightly bunched. In the event of an accident during the race, the Medical Car is the first vehicle on the scene and is able to guarantee the fastest possible emergency treatment.

This C63 AMG Estate has excellent credentials for such a challenging task, where literally every second counts: the high-performance estate vehicle is powered by the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine, which delivers 336 kW/457 hp and 600 Newtonmetres of torque. The AMG sport exhaust system boasts larger pipe diameters and new rear silencers, this resulting in a considerably more distinctive sound that comes out of the two chrome-plated dual tailpipes. In order to guarantee greater reliability, the cooling of coolant, engine oil, transmission oil and power steering has been optimized, this being visible also from the new AMG front apron with its considerably larger cooling-air openings. The power from the engine is transmitted via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC PLUS, which blips the throttle when changing down for even greater smoothness. Perfect traction is guaranteed by the combination of 3-stage ESP® and differential lock with 35 percent locking effect.

Coil-over suspension and AMG high-performance braking system
An adjustable coil-over suspension and 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, measuring 8 and 9 inches wide and fitted with tyres of sizes 235/35 (front) and 255/30 (rear), respectively, help to ensure perfect contact with the road. The powerful AMGhigh-performance braking system, with its internally ventilated and perforated composite brake discs on the front axle, guarantees extremely short stopping distances. The Official F1 Medical Car differs from the standard-production C63 AMG Estate with its new AMGfront apron with larger cooling-air openings as well as special brake cooling. The active cooling of the rear-axle differential is integrated into the diffuser insert at the rear. Like the Safety Car, the Medical Car, too, draws attention to its special role on the track through its F1 logos, roof bar and strobe-like LED flashlights at front and rear. Enhanced visibility in darkness or bad weather is ensured by the LED-illuminated number plate with Medical Car lettering on the boot lid tailgate.

The Official F1 Medical Car is driven by racing driver Alan van de Merwe (South Africa). His co-driver is Dr. Gary Hartstein (Belgium), who is the official FIA Grand Prix Chief Medical Officer. Both of them are accommodated in AMGsports bucket seats with 4-point seatbelts, as are the two medical assistants in the rear. Two monitors in the centre console help the crew to supervise the action on the racetrack, while an on-board two-way radio system is responsible for communication with the race management. The functional feel of the interior is marked by black leather appointments and aluminium trim parts. The 365-millimetre AMG performance steering wheel with its flat underside on the steering wheel rim and AMGaluminium shift paddles guarantees perfect control over the vehicle. With its unrivalled volume of 485 litres, the luggage compartment offers ample space for the full complement of emergency equipment, including defibrillator and respirator.

Transfer from motorsport to series production
Both the SL63 AMG Official F1 Safety Car and the C63 AMG Estate Official F1 Medical Car impressively document the transfer from motorsport to series production. With reference to the example of the SL63 AMG, numerous components in the Safety Car are available straight from the factory. The AMGPerformance Package includes, for instance, the 360-millimetre composite disc brakes on the front axle; the rear-axle differential lock; the 19-inch AMG light-alloy forged wheels and the AMG performance steering wheel. The same is true of the Medical Car: the AMG Performance Package for the C63 AMG (saloon and estate models) includes, for example, the composite disc brakes on the front axle, the rear-axle differential lock, the AMG performance suspension and the AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather/alcantara. The 19-inch AMGlight-alloy wheels are optionally available.

Mercedes SL63 AMG 2009 F1 Safety Car


Mercedes SL63 AMG 2009 F1 Safety Car


Mercedes SL63 AMG 2009 F1 Safety Car


Mercedes SL63 AMG 2009 F1 Safety Car




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2009 Mercedes-Benz SL350: New Design

Has Mercedes committed the ultimate sin?. New images have emerged showing the 2009 model Mercedes-Benz SL-Class convertible in all it's glory, but it appears the German automaker has taken an iconic vehicle and belted it with the ugly stick.

The major element of the 2009 model-year facelift for the SL-Class is the headlight design, and almost every car enthusiast we've shown these photos to has expressed dismay. One staffer even went so far as to call the car the "ugly step-sister of the Chrysler Sebring". The insults are starting to fly already, and Mercedes-Benz decision to try a CLS-Class influence may backfire.

Changes to the SL-Class Mercedes are not wholesale however. The front end is largely new with the updated head light design, a slightly different front apron style and a new single-bar grille. With new side strakes along the cars flanks, the rear end also gets a slight touch up, though the brake lights and exhaust pipes appear to be have been modified only slightly, if at all. The overall body shape remains largely unchanged, though new alloy wheels will help differentiate the new model from the old.

Inside the vehicle not much has changed. There's a new steering wheel and updated speedometer and tachometer dials, and a handful of new features are also expected. The model shown in these leaked images is believed to be the SL 350, which is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 that outputs around 200kW of power and 350Nm of torque. The classic SL model has always been the SL 500, which is powered by a 285kW V8 engine and can sprint from zero to 100km/h in just 5.4 seconds.

Mercedes facelifted SL-Class range is expected to comprise the SL 350, the SL500, the SL 600 and the motor sports influenced SL 63 AMG. All models will be rear-wheel drive. The SL 63 AMG is expected to output an impressive 390kW (525hp) and 630Nm of torque, which will enable a zero to 100km/h dash of around 4.7 seconds. The AMG model will also benefit from larger 19-inch wheels, a rear diffuser, and a more aggressive front apron.

Mercedes-Benz SL350


Mercedes-Benz SL350


Mercedes-Benz SL350


Mercedes-Benz SL350


Mercedes-Benz SL350







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Mercedes SL 350

Mercedes-Benz has only itself to blame if this road test ends in anything less than unqualified praise. Had I driven the new and broadly excellent SL 350 on its own I might have mentioned its big sister, the £67,790 SL 500, only in passing. When I did it would, in all likelihood, have been to refer to the yawning £13,000 price difference rather than any notable deficiencies that might account for this gulf between the two. After all, they are visually indistinguishable save for a tiny badge on the back that can be easily removed. Even their top speeds are the same, electronically limited to 155mph. So, same looks, same speed, save 13 grand — if only all life’s decisions were so easy.Except it’s not that simple. Mercedes’ mistake was letting me drive the SL 350 before and after driving an SL 500. Those looks are mighty deceptive.

The SL 350 is, if such a thing can exist, the poor man’s SL. Its 3.7 litre V6 engine is identical in all respects to the 5 litre V8 in the 500 save that a couple of cylinders have been lopped off. Even in this emasculated form, it produces 245bhp which, as we know, is still enough to push the sleek roadster to 155mph. It will also scrabble to 62mph in 7.2sec. But while an electronic limiter means the SL 500 is ultimately no faster flat out it takes a lot less time to get there, reaching 62mph from rest in 5.9sec thanks to its 310bhp motor.

Oddly, if you drive very hard, the V6 car actually feels very little slower than the V8. It might have less power but it is lighter — the reduction is all under the bonnet conferring better weight distribution and more agile handling. Drive the SL 350 as fast as you can and it will be an uncommonly good SL 500 driver who gets away from you. But these are entirely academic arguments because, the 500bhp £91,000 AMG version aside, serious drivers don’t buy SLs — why would you when you can have a Porsche 911 Cabriolet instead? No, for 30 years SLs have been about how they behave when driven slowly. To enjoy one to the full you must immerse yourself in the experience: fold the roof, lower the windows, extend an elbow and cruise. And this is where the SL 350 suddenly stops appearing to be quite so clever.

You notice the engine first. In the V8 the merest tickle of the toe produces a mellifluous rumble and instant thrust; do the same in the SL 350 and nothing much happens. Press harder and it will accelerate but with a muted, nondescript noise. It requires more effort for less reward which is very un-SL. And should you wish to make an impression on your passenger, the SL 500 will explode out of the blocks, the 350 does not. Then you start to notice where else savings have been made. The SL 500 rides, literally, on air, thanks to its having computer-controlled bellows where most cars have steel springs. You can, of course, specify air suspension for your SL 350 for £2,450 and having driven the car on both, I’d say it was more than worth it as the handling and, in particular, the ride are much improved.

The SL 350 also comes with a manual gearbox as standard, albeit one with electronic actuation. Automatic transmission, which is much more in keeping with the car’s character, costs another £670. But even if you do pay for the V6 SL to change gear itself, it’s nothing like as slick as the 500, requiring a needlessly heavy push on the accelerator before it will kick down and serve up meaningful performance. Of course, all this should be seen in the context of how good the car is as a concept. Even in compromised SL 350 form it is the best convertible available at its price. Its looks, folding steel roof and engineering integrity add up to a compelling proposition and it has a better claim than any other to comprise two cars in one. Viewed either as one of the best-looking roadsters on the market or as an entirely convincing coupé, it makes sense on all levels, from showing off on sunny afternoons to everyday transport.

So, if the SL 500 is beyond your pocket buy the SL 350, tick the box on the order form marked “badge delete” and be happy nobody will ever know what lies under the bonnet. If, however, you’re wondering whether to buy the V8 or save £13,000, be assured that the SL 500 is not only the better car, it is also worth every extra pound and a few thousand more besides. The SL experience has never been purely about how the car looks: if you want the complete picture you also have to consider how it goes and how it sounds. The SL 500 is far superior in both respects.

VITAL STATISTICS
Model Mercedes-Benz SL 350
Engine type V6, 3724cc
Power/Torque 245bhp @ 5700rpm/258lb ft @ 3000rpm
Transmission Six-speed manual with electronic actuation
Suspension (front) four links, coil springs, anti-roll bar; (rear) multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Tyres 225/45 WR17
Fuel/CO2 24.1mpg (combined)/281g/km
Top speed 155mph
Acceleration 0 to 62mph: 7.2sec
Price £56,340
Verdict An SL to look at but not quite to drive














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Mercedes-Benz Quietly Ushers in 2010 C-Class with Uber Modest Tweaks

We can't say that we blame Mercedes-Benz for not making a fuss about the 2010 model year C-Class, photos of which have appeared on the firm's official German website, as even fans of the car will have a hard time spotting the differences.

As we informed you a couple of weeks ago when our spies snapped the 2010MY C-Class on a hauler, the styling tweaks are limited to the reshaped air intakes on the front bumper that now incorporates a pair of LED daytime running lights (could be optional though) and the new exterior mirror housings.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing In Detail, Plus 50 High-Res Photos

In the run up to the SLS AMG's world premiere at the Frankfurt Show and following a series of internet leaks the past few days, Mercedes-Benz today unleashed a broad set of photos as well as more detailed information on its gullwinged-supercar. Before we get into any other details, let us tell you that the 571 horsepower SLS AMG is scheduled to be launched onto the market in Spring 2010 carrying a base price in Germany of €177,310, which comes to around $257,500 US with the current exchange rates.

The new 'super sports car', as Mercedes-Benz likes to describe the SLS AMG, is clearly inspired by the one of the most beautiful and iconic cars ever to hit the road, the 1950s 300 SL Gullwing. Evidently, Mercedes did not go for a full retro look but instead used the 300SL as an inspiration to design a supercar that embodies the firm's classic styling traits without looking like a beefed-up SL for example - yes, we're talking about the SLR McLaren.

The design highlight is without doubt the gullwing doors that swing up by 70 degrees while another styling cue that harks back to the 300SL is the wide radiator grille with the large Mercedes-Benz star and the wing-like fin. The SLS AMG's proportions are overly aggressive with the nearly two-meters or 79-inches long bonnet (!), the low and far back positioned cabin and the stubby tail along with the long wheelbase and wide tracks offering the car a menacing stance."It is more than just the exclusive gullwing doors that make the design of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG so special," said Volker Mornhinweg, head of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. "Our aim with this interpretation is to create the classic car of the future and put the most beautiful sports car of the 21st century on the road. Another of our goals is to create a new design icon that, like other Mercedes-Benz models such as the CLS and the SL, will help shape future models of the Mercedes-Benz brand."

We'd like to see the SLS AMG up close before we make up our mind on the exterior, but at least from the pictures, the car's weakest design points appear to be the awkward-looking B-column and the rear-end styling which is somewhat less impressive.
The SLS AMG's interior design and layout is rather simple with some of the switchgear being borrowed from other Mercedes models like the E-Class. The cockpit is however dressed in high quality materials such as nappa leather, metal detailing, and, as an option, real carbon applique with buyers being able to choose from five different leather colors including black, classic red, sand, porcelain and light brown.

Moving on to the technical details, both the chassis and body of the SLS AMG are made of aluminium resulting to a curb weight of 1,620 kilograms (3,571 lbs) which is close to 150 kg (330 lbs) less than the old SLR McLaren. The weight distribution is 47 per cent in the front and 53 per cent in the rear. At the heart of Merc's supercar is a front/mid mounted 6.3-liter V8 engine derived from other familiar AMG models. The naturally aspirated engine has been reworked with a new intake system, different valve gear and camshafts as well as various other upgrades resulting to an output of 571 hp at 6,800 rpm and a maximum torque of 650Nm (479 lb-ft) at 4,750 rpm. That power is sent to the back through a newly developed AMG dual-clutch seven-speed sports transmission located at the rear in the transaxle position. The driver has a choice of four different driving programmes: C (Controlled Efficiency), S (Sport), S+ (Sport plus) and M (Manual), as well as a RACE START function.

Mercedes says that the gullwing supercar accelerates from 0 to 100km.h (62 mph) in just 3.8 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 317km/h or 197 mph.
Even in today's 'green' world, we seriously doubt that any of the potential buyers will care, but for the record, the SLS AMG returns a combined fuel consumption of 13.2lt per 100km that comes to around 17.8 mpg US or 21.4 mpg UK. Other features include the double wishbone suspension, the rack-and-pinion steering gear, which Mercedes says delivers a "consistently direct steering feel" as well a 3-stage ESP that gives the driver a choice of the three modes "ESP ON", "ESP SPORT" and "ESP OFF" at the push of a button. The SLS AMG also gets lightweight ceramic brakes and special high-performance sport tires in sizes 265/35 R 19 in the front, and 295/30 R 20 in the rear.

Frankfurt Motor Show : Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing

The veil of secrecy surrounding the production version of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG has been unceremoniously lifted, first with of some low-resolution photos and today, with a comprehensive gallery that includes 35 high-res pictures.

The formal introduction of the 300SL Gullwing-inspired supercar that's powered by a 571 horsepower AMG V8 engine mounted up front will take place at next week's Frankfurt Motor Show, with more photos and details due to be officially released on Thursday, September 10.

First Official Photos of Gullwing Supercar Leaked : Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Images of the production Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG "Gullwing" supercar have found their way onto the internet a week ahead of the planned debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The photos reveal that the SLR McLaren's successor features several vintage styling cues such as the gullwing doors and the prominent front grille with the extra large three-pointed star that hark back to the original 1950s 300SL Gullwing model.

The SLS AMG's rear-end design is less snazzy and not as curvalicious, or sexy for that matter, as the initial teaser sketches suggested. However, our first impression from these photos is that overall, Mercedes-Benz's new supecar with its Dodge Viper like proportions (we had to mention that...) looks far more distinct and special than its tuned-SL-Class-lookalike predecessor.

From what we know up to now, the SLS AMG gets a front-mid mounted 6.2-liter V8 engine developing 571 hp at 6,700 rpm and 650Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque at 4,750 rpm. Power is transferred to the rear-wheels through a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that is located at the rear in the transaxle position. Featuring a lightweight aluminum body that is supported by an 'uber' stiff aluminum spaceframe that help it achieve a kerb weight of around 1,620 kilograms or 3,671 lbs, the two seater hits 100 km/h or 62mph from standstill in 3.8 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 315 km/h or 196 mph. According to Mercedes, provisional fuel consumption for the SLS AMG is around 13.0lt per 100 kilometers or 18.09 mpg US.

Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg joins Mercedes GP Petronas for 2010 season

Wednesday, December 23rd. All the rumors, all the speculation, the aching and the itching from those of us in the media is finally over. 7-time World Champion, Michael Schumacher, will return to Formula One next year.

The Mercedes GP Petronas Formula One Team announced early today that the world’s most successful Formula One driver will now join them for the 2010 season. It’s been a long time coming and means that Schumacher’s long standing relationship with Ferrari is over.

With seven Drivers' World Championships, 248 Grand Prix starts, 91 victories, 154 podium finishes and 68 pole positions, the 40-year old German needs no introduction following an illustrious and record-breaking Formula One career from 1991 to 2006 at the Jordan, Benetton and Ferrari teams.

According to the Mercedes press release, Schumacher’s return to racing with Mercedes GP Petronas sees his return to Mercedes-Benz Motorsport where he began his racing apprenticeship as part of the Junior Program in 1990, racing in Group C sports cars and DTM. It also sees him renew his partnership with Ross Brawn with whom he won all seven of his World Championships. Schumacher will join his compatriot, 24 year old Nico Rosberg, in the Silver Arrows cars.

Michael Schumacher: "Mercedes GP Petronas represents a new challenge for me both in a sporting and a personal context. It is a new chapter in my racing career and I am really looking forward to working with my old friend Ross Brawn and my companions from my days with the Mercedes Junior Program. I am convinced that together we will be involved in the fight for the Formula 1 World Championship next year and I am already looking forward to getting back onto the race track. For me, this partnership closes the circle. Mercedes supported me for so many years when I began my Formula 1 career and now I can hopefully give something back to the brand with the star."

Nico Rosberg: "It is fantastic that Michael is returning to Formula One and will be my team-mate at Mercedes GP Pertronas. It's a great challenge for me to be up against one of the best drivers of all time. I'm sure that we will form a very strong partnership as he will have lost none of his speed! It is also great news for our sport and the fans."

Ross Brawn, Team Principal of Mercedes GP Petronas: "I am delighted that we can confirm today that Michael will make his much-anticipated return to Formula One next year and drive for our…team. As seven-time World Champion, Michael's outstanding record in Formula One speaks for itself and I am looking forward to working with him again. With the completion of our driver line-up, I believe that we now have the most exciting partnership in Formula One with Michael and Nico, who provide the perfect mix of talent, experience, speed and youth. We can now turn our full attention to the preparations for the new season and everyone at [the team] is extremely excited about the challenge ahead. With the investment and support in our team provided by Daimler, Aabar and our new title partner Petronas, and with two such exciting drivers, we have all of the building blocks in place to have another successful season in 2010."

Norbert Haug, Vice-President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports: "In April 1991, when I had been in charge of the Mercedes-Benz Motorsport program for just six months, Michael was standing beside me on the balcony one evening. Without the slightest doubt, he said in a low voice: "It's about time that I got into Formula 1". Michael had just turned 22 years of age and four months later, he made his debut at Spa in a Jordan. Mercedes Benz helped him to this point and the rest is history: seven World Championship titles, more than any racing driver, 91 Grand Prix wins, more than any racing driver. Michael has more of everything than every other driver. As part of the Mercedes Junior Program, Michael had raced in Group C sports cars and competed in a few DTM races. Ross Brawn, then our opponent at Jaguar, quickly realized Michael's talent and they went on to win all seven of his Drivers' World Championship titles together at Benetton and Ferrari. Our sporting ambition has always been that Michael should drive again where his professional career had started and Michael knew that. We often joked about it after the races and discussed the prospect seriously several times during the last 14 years in Formula 1. It didn't happen in 1995, it didn't happen in 1998 and it didn't happen in 2005. I am delighted that it will now happen in 2010. I am very much looking forward to working with Michael and everybody at Mercedes-Benz and Daimler extends a very warm welcome to our 'apprentice' of 19 years ago. That apprentice is now the most successful racing driver of all time."