Lauda: We are in a good position

F1’s launch season is in full swing, and the latest new car to hit the headlines is the title-defending Mercedes.

As the new silver McLaren was unveiled online on Thursday, the German giant Mercedes was giving its similarly-coloured W06 a shakedown during a ’promotional event’ at Silverstone, before a blizzard stopped running.

Mercedes released images of the test, conducted by both world champion Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

The Brackley based team’s rivals are expecting another season of superiority for Mercedes, and chairman Niki lauda agrees: "Everyone is feeling the pressure, but we are in a good position.

"Renault will improve, and Adrian Newey knows how to build a good car," said the F1 legend.

"Not much is known about Ferrari, and McLaren-Honda will face many challenges in its first year," Lauda is also quoted by Speed Week.