Image of new Mercedes leaked ahead of launch

It won't be officially launched until tomorrow (Tuesday) in Valencia, but here is a sneak preview of Mercedes Grand Prix's MGP W02 challenger, after the image was leaked to a German newspaper.

Although the picture does not give too much away, it is apparent that Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg's new toy has incorporated a high nose into its design, with - former ITV-F1 commentator James Allen points out - some changes to the sidepods and air intake, too.

Mercedes are desperately hoping the MGP W02 proves to be a dramatic improvement on its uncompetitive predecessor, with which Rosberg achieved just three podium finishes and Schumacher none at all, following the Brackley-based outfit's title-winning form twelve months earlier in the guise of Brawn GP.

The Stuttgart manufacturer turned its focus to its 2011 contender earlier than any of its rivals in an effort to steal a march on them - a tactic that worked so well in 2009. It remains to be seen what fruits those labours will deliver the team this time around.