Cars

Mercedes-Benz is kicking off the 2011 Formula 1 season with a new Silver Arrow and also with a new TV spot. Based around the motto "Racing is a state of mind", the short film entitled "Compliments" depicts the passion of Mercedes-Benz for motorsport and competition. With a touch of humour and self-deprecation, Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher play on their internal rivalry within MERCEDES GP PETRONAS team. Former world champion Mika Häkkinen -- an iconic figure who has appeared numerous times in humorous Mercedes-Benz TV spots over the past 15 years -- highlights, with the aid of an energy drink, on which team the rivalry should be focused at the start of the season. "The new Formula 1 season gets under way on Sunday with the race in Melbourne, and the deck has been shuffled again," explained Anders Sundt Jensen, Vice President Brand Communication Mercedes-Benz Cars. "The spot makes it clear, in a rather fun way, that motorsport is a way of life for our brand. In addition, it shows that we don't admit defeat if at first we don't achieve the goals we have set ourselves, but rather that we take up the challenge -- both within our team, as well as united against our competitors." The 45-second spot, created by Jung von Matt, will be shown by all major German broadcasters from tonight until Sunday to mark the start of the Formula 1 season.