Formula 1 Gossip: Mercedes 'all new' engine?

Mercedes engine boss Andy Cowell has revealed that the Formula 1 vehicles will race with an ‘all new’ engine this season. Cowell said “We’ve got ideas to improve the power, we’ve got ideas to reduce the friction in pretty much every area of the power unit… There’s still gains to be had (with this formula). It’s a plethora of marginal gains, five millisecond gains." - Planet F1

Haas driver Romain Grosjean believes McLaren will have a ‘strong' year ahead of this season. After Mercedes claimed both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ trophies last season, Grosjean said McLaren’s new engine supplier, Renault has “developed the project well and is already in front of us. McLaren will be very strong, they have huge resources and probably the biggest structure in Formula 1." - Sportsmole

Kimi Raikkonen has his sights on the title after being disappointed with last season’s results. The Finn said “Obviously I want to be fighting for the championship this year… we just need to tidy up things and not make mistakes and not have issues on any side either as drivers or the team. Obviously we start from zero now so hopefully were all be up there." - F1 Fansite

Fernando Alonso has revealed his main focus is securing a third world title in Formula 1 despite currently testing ahead of the Daytona 24-hour. After claiming his last titles in 2005 and 2006, Alonso said “Of course I focus first and foremost on Formula 1, and the goal of winning a third world title, with the Renault power unit we should be able to get involved at the front again. However, I also have plans for classic events that do not overlap with the F1 calendar. This race (Daytona) is the first step in endurance racing and of course I hope I like it because Le Mans is another goal of mine." - Sportsmole