Mercedes doubts it can repeat 2012's Chinese Grand Prix win
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says his team's victory in last year's Chinese Grand Prix does not mean it can realistically target the same result next week despite its encouraging start to the season
Nico Rosberg took a commanding victory from pole position at Shanghai last year. It was Mercedes' first win since returning to Formula 1 under its own name, and Rosberg's maiden F1 win.
Mercedes has begun 2013 well, with Lewis Hamilton claiming his team is now the second best behind Red Bull.
Wolff, however, insists that his team must keep expectations in check, even after last year's result.
"One year on from Nico's win [pictured below], a lot of people will be asking whether this is something our team can repeat in 2013. But like they say, yesterday's home runs don't win today's games, and that's definitely true for us," said Wolff.
"We start again from zero this year and need to work hard to adapt the car to suit the circuit and the tyre compounds we have available, in the conditions that we find on track next weekend. Then we will see where we stand relative to the competition.
"We have made a solid start to the season in the first two races with Nico and Lewis both performing at a very high and equal level. The development race will be critical this season so we have more new parts planned for China.
"Our aim has to be to improve on our good start to the season and continue scoring good points in both championships."
Hamilton, who scored his maiden podium with Mercedes in the previous race in Malaysia, also admitted he is not expecting his team to emulate last year's performance.
"I think Mercedes were in a unique situation last year at the track and they got everything right," said Hamilton. "The tyres are different this year so you have to anticipate that it's going to be a little bit different there for us.
"Walking off into the distance is probably not going to be the case. If the car works well there and we get a similar result there it'll be amazing."
Chinese GP preview quotes: Mercedes
Chinese GP preview quotes: McLaren
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