Merc 'won't challenge for podiums just yet'

While many pundits have installed them as one of the favourites to win the season opener in Bahrain, Mercedes GP have been quick to play down expectations.

The Brackley-based team have been one of the front runners during pre-season testing and many believe they along with Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull are the teams to watch this season.

Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug, though, has warned that it is unlikely that they'll be on podium for the first few races of the season.

"I do not see us as the favourites for the first race, but we are on the right path to be able to challenge at the top," Haug told Germany's Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

"But we haven't won a single point yet and we want to make sure we can stand up for ourselves and give the answers on the track.

"In my opinion, we will not challenge for the podium in the first few races, but we will definitely show up afterwards."

Everyone's attention has been on Michael Schumacher following his decision to come out of retirement.

"When the seven-times World Champion surprisingly decides to return, it is quite obvious where the media interest lies," Haug added.

"That could all change very quickly if Nico Rosberg wins a race or challenges for a podium place, we should not forget that

"I have never seen Nico (as being in Schumacher's shadow)."

Merc 'won't challenge for podiums just yet' - Planet-F1 News from planet-f1.com