Michael Schumacher is delighted with the feeling he is getting from the new Mercedes W03 but he believes the next couple of weeks will help him determine how competitive he can be in 2012.
Schumacher was on hand to help team-mate Nico Rosberg take the covers off the W03 at Barcelona on Tuesday morning but the seven-time champion has already had the opportunity to drive his 2012 challenger after taking it for a spin at Silverstone last week.
The German has warned that it is too soon to know how competitive the car can be but he admits he was delighted with how the car felt in his first drive.
"Already last week, when we were driving the F1 W03 for the very first time, it instantly gave us good feedback and sensations," said Schumacher.
"Obviously, we will only see over the next couple of weeks how big the step is that we have made, but I can say already that the guys and girls back in the factories at Brackley and Brixworth were brilliant in putting in so much effort.
"For my part, I am eager to fight again, looking forward to the new season, and I can't wait for it to begin."
Rosberg was just as enthusiastic when asked how the car felt and he believes it reflects how well the team are working together.
"We have had a good start to our 2012 testing programme, and it was a great feeling to drive the first laps in the new F1 W03," he added.
"The car looks good, and is very nicely packaged under the bodywork - all the parts are in harmony, which reflects how well the different departments of our team are working together.
"From the beginning of our running, we have been able to focus on understanding the car and making good progress with our test programme."