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Tech notes: Mercedes upgrades explained

Much has been made of Mercedes new 'coanda-effect' exhaust. Craig Scarborough explains what it is, how it works and what difference it will make to the Three-Pointed Star's flagging 2012 campaign

Since its early-season spike in form, Mercedes has slid from competitiveness.

Outwardly, the car remains much as it appeared at the start of the year, but following a successful three-day test at Magny-Cours, the team arrived in Singapore with some new upgrades ready to race, most notably the revised exhaust system and sidepod set-up.

The W03's problems this year have stemmed largely from excessive rear tyre wear. Rather than rush to put different solutions onto the car, the team has worked at the problem methodically, concentrating initially on set-up, then introducing a major upgrade around Monaco.

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