The Mercedes F1 team has confirmed that its 2016 car has passed the mandatory FIA crash tests.
The Brackley-based outfit dominated the 2015 season with the W06, claiming both titles for a second consecutive season and scoring 16 wins.
Mercedes confirmed to Grand Prix Times that the 2016 chassis has passed the crash tests, becoming the latest to do so following announcements from Renault, Manor, Force India, Ferrari, Toro Rosso and Haas.
The new car is now ready for the first pre-season test of the year, which takes place from the 22-25 February at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg remain team-mates at Mercedes for a fourth season.
However, while Mercedes revealed the FIA crash test news, it remained tight-lipped on its plans for the first test and the launch of its new car.
