A profile of the Mercedes Formula 1 team

Ross Brawn's Mercedes are targeting podium finishes in their third season in F1

EDDIE JORDAN'S 2012 VIEW

"Mercedes have under performed in the two years since they took over the Brawn team.

"The car has struggled to match the top three - Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari - but has been comfortably ahead of the other midfield teams.

"Admittedly, the team has undergone a restructure, with former Honda and Ferrari technical directors Geoff Willis and Aldo Costa joining technical chief Bob Bell's team.

"Now we might be beginning to see the benefit of that combination and I can see them getting podiums.

"Race wins might be out of the question but Michael Schumacher says the car feels more competitive, so it looks to be a step forward.

"Will Michael do another year for them? Well we know the team have said to him that he needs to prove that he is the right man for them. I think that was the right thing to say as it should drive him on."

MEET THE BOSS - ROSS BRAWN

What is F1's biggest challenge?

F1's biggest challenge is to stay relevant for all of our stakeholders, our fans and the media. We have to ensure that the sport is shaped for the future by making it highly entertaining, economically viable for the manufacturers and teams, and with as much relevance as possible for our society on a wider scale.

Does F1 need road-car manufacturers?

I believe it does. Manufacturers of the calibre of Mercedes-Benz and Ferrari have been the core of F1 for many years and along with the other manufacturers who are currently involved or have been involved in the past, they add to the strength of F1 and are a great asset to the sport.

MERCEDES GP FACTS AND STATS Nationality: German Headquarters: Brackley (UK) Debut season: 2010 (previously raced in 1954/55) Drivers: Michael Schumacher Nico Rosberg Test/reserve driver: - Team principal: Ross Brawn Technical director: Bob Bell Engine: Mercedes-Benz V8 2011 position: 4th Constructors' titles: 0

The best piece of advice I've ever given a driver is…

... go fast, don't crash! It's the best way to get across the finish line.

The best piece of advice I've received is…

... treat others as you want to be treated yourself. That's what my father always told me.

What kind of team boss are you - hairdryer treatment or arm around the shoulder?

Arm around the shoulder.

Wheeler-dealer or techie?

Both! I'm a wheeler-dealer techie. You have to be both when you are in a senior position in an F1 team. You have to find compromises and concessions.

What was your first paid job?

I was a labourer on a building site during my summer holidays at school.

What time do you set your alarm clock for?

6.15am when I'm at home.

Team Mercedes GP 2011 Season Stats

Last updated: Thursday, 15 November 2012 12:31 UK

Race	Date	Race Pts	Total Pts
Australian GP	27 Mar 2011	0	0
Malaysian GP	10 Apr 2011	2	2
Chinese GP	17 Apr 2011	14	16
Turkish GP	8 May 2011	10	26
Spanish GP	22 May 2011	14	40
Monaco GP	29 May 2011	0	40
Canadian Grand Prix	12 Jun 2011	12	52
European GP	26 Jun 2011	6	58
British GP	10 Jul 2011	10	68
German GP	24 Jul 2011	10	78
Hungarian GP	31 Jul 2011	2	80
Belgian GP	28 Aug 2011	18	98
Italian GP	11 Sep 2011	10	108
Singapore GP	25 Sep 2011	6	114
Japanese GP	9 Oct 2011	9	123
Korean Grand Prix	16 Oct 2011	4	127
Indian Grand Prix	30 Oct 2011	18	145
Abu Dhabi GP	13 Nov 2011	14	159
Brazilian GP	27 Nov 2011	6	165