Brawn: No danger of post-title slump

There are fears that the team - then known as Brawn GP - might not have focused as much attention on design work for 2010 as it fought with Red Bull for both the drivers' and constructors' championships. Both McLaren and Ferrari blamed the distraction of their 2008 title battle for their disappointing form last year.

But Brawn believes that the relative stability of regulations - with the ban on refuelling and the introduction of a narrower front tyre the main 2010 changes - means that the risk of a post-title slump is significantly reduced.

"Without a dramatic rule change, there's less chance of that happening, so I'm not overly concerned," Brawn told AUTOSPORT.

"Whatever you did in 2008 was scrapped at the end of the year, whereas any developments made last year are carried over to this year, because they are predominantly aerodynamic developments that are still applicable.

"The major areas are interpreting the needs of new regulations which are no refuelling, larger fuel capacity, different tyre size and continued aero development."

Brawn refused to predict how competitive the new Mercedes will be despite being confident that the team has made a step forward with its 2010 design. He said he will reserve judgement until he sees what the competition produces.

"I know that we will have a faster car than we have had last year so it depends if someone else is going to get the jump on the rest of the field," said Brawn.