New Mercedes W04 breaks cover early with Blackberry on board

The new Mercedes AMG F1 W04 broke cover earlier than aniticipted this morning as it underwent a shakedown With Nico Rosberg at the wheel, while the team's new recruit Lewis Hamilton watched from the sidelines, at Jerez circuit, a few hours before the team was due to publicly unveil the car.

Lewis Hamilton watches the action from the sidelines

At the same time the team announced a new partnership agreement with Blackberry, which the team phrazed in a press release: "As the Official Mobile Computing Partner for the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team, BlackBerry will collaborate with the team on technical and marketing opportunities."

The new BlackBerry 10 platform will deliver tools and services for Mercedes AMG Petronas and fan engagement will be improved through the joint development of apps. BlackBerry 10 smartphones will also be used by the team so they can 'keep moving' throughout the Formula One season.

Team Principal Ross Brawn commented: "On the day that our new Silver Arrow, the F1 W04, is launched, we are very pleased to announce our partnership with BlackBerry. It is especially pleasing to be able to launch this exciting partnership today as our latest Silver Arrow takes to the track with BlackBerry branding." (GP247)

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