Mercedes W06 2015 F1 car completes shakedown at Silverstone

Mercedes has provided a glimpse of what its new Formula 1 car looks like, after a shakedown at Silverstone on Thursday and released the first proper images of the car

The team elected to run a systems check in Britain before sending it to the first test at Jerez in Spain this weekend, where it will be officially launched on Sunday.

Nico Rosberg was drafted in for driving duties.

Teaser videos posted by the team on Twitter offered the first look at the new car, and it later issued a side-on shot showing the revised livery.

Although the images are not entirely clear, it is possible to ascertain some initial details.

F1 : Mercedes to unveil 2015 car at Jerez

Mercedes will reveal their 2015 Formula One car on the first day of pre-season testing at Jerez on February 1.

The 2014 drivers' and constructors' double winners, will unveil the F1 W06 Hybrid before track action commences at the Spanish circuit. 

Nico Rosberg will test the F1 W06 Hybrid on the first and third day of the test, while 2014 champion Lewis Hamilton will take care of the driving duties on the second and fourth days.

Mercedes had a very successful 2014 season with their F1 W05 Hybrid. The F1 W05 Hybrid proved to be one of the most dominant machines in F1 history, racking up a record 16 victories and 11 one-two finishes over the course of the season.

Mercedes will target Alonso if Hamilton does not extend his contract

Hamilton's current contract is set to expire at the end of the year although both sides have expressed a desire to continue together in 2016.  Contract negotiations were put on hold during 2014 in order to allow Hamilton to concentrate on the championship.

In case Hamilton does not agree to extend his contract, Mercedes Team Boss Toto Wolff has identified Fernando Alonso as his main target to replace Lewis Hamilton for 2016 season.

Talking about Lewis Hamilton's contract negotiations to Gazetta Dello Sport, Wolff said "There's no hurry, it will be discussed during the year,".

After being asked if the two do not reach to an agreement, Wolff said "I am optimistic [of reaching a deal with Hamilton], the priority is to continue with these two drivers. But if it's not possible, Alonso is the first alternative. Then there is [Valtteri] Bottas". 

F1 : Mercedes will test the 2015 F1 car in January - Wolff

Mercedes's title-defending car will be tested at Silverstone

Team boss Toto Wolff has revealed that Mercedes will launch their title-defending car on the eve of first winter test.

"We are on schedule and have a clear idea of where we are in terms of chassis and engine," he told Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Wolff has made it clear that his mind is on ensuring Mercedes stays at the top of F1.

"The first goal is to assemble the car in time for mid January," he said, "when we plan a test at Silverstone."

"But only at Jerez will we have a picture of the balance of power with the opposition."

When asked if he knows when the W06 will be officially launched, Wolff answered: "No, but I do not exclude that it will happen right before the first test in Spain." 

Mercedes won't go into the new season feeling relaxed after dominating the 2014 season. He said  "When you begin to relax, you begin to lose".