F1: Too Soon For Mercedes Title Challenge, Haug Concedes

Formula 1

F1: Too Soon For Mercedes Title Challenge, Haug Concedes

Competition boss Norbert Haug is downplaying talk that Mercedes could be a title threat in 2012...

SPEED Staff / GMM | Posted March 13, 2012 GMM Newswire

Norbert Haug (Right) stands by with Mercedes driver Michael Schumacher. (Photo: Bongarts/Getty Images)

Norbert Haug on Monday played down reports Mercedes could be set to be a shock title contender in 2012.

Some new analysis in the sport's specialist media claims the W03, to be raced by Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg this season, was actually quicker than all comers in the crucial 'long runs' during recent preseason testing.

But Haug, Mercedes-Benz's motor sport vice-president, insisted it is unlikely the former Brawn, Honda and BAR team can leap from fourth in the constructors' World Championship to first in just a single bound.

"You don't go from the the creation and restructuring of a team to (winning) the World Championship in two years," he is quoted by SID news agency.

"The reigning World Champions (Red Bull) didn't, and we didn't either (as engine supplier) with McLaren.

"You just have to accept this building-up period," added the German.

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