Mercedes refits latest blown-diffuser

Although the Brackley-based outfit is shifting its focus onto its 2011 car, the team is still pushing hard to bring improvements to its W01 over the course of this season.

And that means that the second version of its blown diffuser, which sees exhaust gases blown into the diffuser as well as over the top, is back on its car for the first time since Germany.

It had to be removed for the Hungarian Grand Prix because of overheating issues that were warping the carbon fibre and deforming its structure.

Nico Rosberg said he hoped modifications made to the latest diffuser had overcome its problems, but he was keeping his ambitions in check.

"You can never say for sure, but they have done the best possible job to try and modify the parts and hopefully they will work here," said Rosberg. "At the moment Ferrari and Red Bull Racing are a bit ahead, so it's difficult to say where we will be, but I am not expecting big jumps at the moment."

Rosberg thinks, however, that if the poor weather conditions stay for the weekend then Mercedes GP could enjoy a more positive time.

"The weather is looking mixed for the moment, and if the weather is mixed then anything can happen - and we could do better than we are expecting.

"Rain gives us a better chance. In terms of a victory? I don't think so. Even in the rain, car performance wise, we are not there but definitely we will be much higher up than if it is dry."