Mercedes latest to announce initial test plans

George Russell will begin Mercedes' testing programme in Barcelona this week.

The Briton will turn the first official laps in the W13 on Wednesday morning as the three-day pre-season test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton will have to wait until the afternoon before getting himself comfortable with the new machinery as Mercedes split shifts on the first day.

The Silver Arrows are yet to confirm a full schedule for day two and three.

Both drivers lapped Silverstone in stormy weather on February 18 as Mercedes took the opportunity to shakedown the new car after a launch earlier that day.

F1 is hosting the Barcelona test before a fully-televised three-day outing in Bahrain in March ahead of the first race at the same venue on March 20.

Looking sharp boys. 👌 Our line-up for Wednesday’s track session in Barcelona. pic.twitter.com/1q5wrTifYn

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) February 22, 2022