This is the new Mercedes F1 car

The first thing you'll notice about the new, 2012 Mercedes AMG F1 car isn't the noise, or the speed, or the silver-ness. It's how many buttons are on the ruddy steering wheel.

This, ladies and gentlemen of the web, is our first taster of the new Mercedes F1 W03: riding on board with Nico Rosberg around Silverstone. Both he and Schuey completed 50km each around the track ahead of its official test at Barcelona next week.

To keep us teased, Mercedes decided to show us what life behind the wheel - and inside the cockpit - looks and sounds like to Mssrs Rosberg and Schumacher. It's blurry, fast, and as we mentioned before, a ruddy complicated place.

TopGear.com chats to Nico Rosberg

Just look at the steering wheel! The buttons, oh the buttons! Also, it looks like the poor chap's knees have been glued together. This may become problematic come race day.

Anyway, have a gander at the video and then read TG's interview with the German hotfoot. Then, while perfecting your best pondering-on-an-Important-Question-while-stroking-your-chin pose, tell us: do you reckon Nico will outscore Michael again this season, and will Mercedes run with the Red Bull/McLaren/Ferrari triumvirate?