Niki Lauda does not expect Formula 1 teams to conceal their true pace when winter testing draws to a close at the beginning of March.
Traditionally, F1 fans are left guessing as to the pecking order following the pre-season outings with the front-runners reluctant to show their hand.
With an overhaul of the aerodynamic regulations, though, Mercedes chief Lauda expects the first four-day test to be a learning process before the teams truly unleash their new machinery.
“The Barcelona tests will be used to get to know the new rules during the first four days,” the three time world champion explained to Swiss newspaper Blick.
“The four days between the testing sessions will be used to develop updates. Then, from March 7 to March 10, we will do business.
“This time nobody will hold back and only show their cards at Melbourne. This time we want to know where we are on track.”
Lauda also offered some tantalising information regarding Mercedes’ W08, the car with which the Silver Arrows will target a fourth consecutive world title.
“I saw it when it was still under basic construction,” he said. “I was delighted from the start. The broader car with its bigger tyres looks awesome. The fans will like it for sure.”
Sauber is set to be first to pull the wraps off its 2017 challenger, with an online launch scheduled for February 20.
