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'The machines are violent'

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff believes F1 cars will smash speed records this season

New motors are lower and have fatter tyres...which could see up to five amazing seconds slashed off lap times

TOTO WOLFF has hailed this season's F1 cars as "violent" and says they are set to break records.

New rule changes mean the cars will be lower and wider, plus they will also have fatter tyres, which could see up to five seconds slashed off lap times.

Toto Wolff...sit back and watch it happen
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Toto Wolff...sit back and watch it happenCredit: Getty Images

The 2017 season kicks off in Melbourne this weekend and Mercedes boss Wolff says spectators are in for a treat when they see this year's machines.

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He said: "It's the dawn of a new era - in more ways than one. This is the first time that Formula One has changed the rules to make the cars faster.

"And looking at the results from testing, we're well on the way to achieving that. It's something that's never been done before and that's a radical change. We've even made them look more spectacular.

Toto Wolff with Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas
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Toto Wolff with Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri BottasCredit: Reuters
The gleaming, all singing and dancing Mercedes
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The gleaming, all singing and dancing MercedesCredit: AP:Associated Press
 "These machines are violent - just like Formula One cars should be. I have been out on track watching them and, next to the previous generation of cars, these are properly spectacular cars.

"From a fan perspective - and a part of me will always be a fan - it really is something special.

Any true motorsport lover simply has to see them in the flesh."

Wolff also says that, despite winning the past three drivers and constructors' titles, this season the clock is reset to zero and it will be a challenge for them to retain their crowns.
The McLaren looks pretty impressive, too
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The McLaren looks pretty impressive, tooCredit: Getty Images
Toro Rosso drivers Daniil Kvyat and Carlos Sainz show off the new STR12 racing car
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Toro Rosso drivers Daniil Kvyat and Carlos Sainz show off the new STR12 racing carCredit: Reuters

He added: "Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas are in a great place. They have a respectful and friendly relationship from what we've seen in our team briefings so far.

"We have tackled with determination the challenge of the new regulations. We have been very successful over the last three years through stable rules.

"But no team has ever maintained its success over such a big regulation change before. In a way, it's just what the doctor ordered. To have such a challenge is good for the team.

Kevin Magnussen and HAAS's French driver Romain Grosjean unveil their new VF17 car
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Kevin Magnussen and HAAS's French driver Romain Grosjean unveil their new VF17 carCredit: Getty Images

"There is an art to managing expectations. You must not set them too low - but you must also keep them under control.

"With new regulations, everyone starts with zero points. It provides opportunities as well as risks for every team on the grid."

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