Mercedes try to 'bring the noise' back to F1

MERCEDES trialled a device aimed at amplifying and improving the much-maligned sound made by the 2014 marque Formula One cars on the second day of testing in Barcelona.

With new V6 engines forming part of an overhaul in F1 regulations, widespread criticism of the dulcet tones has continued from the opening race of the season in Australia.

With F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone amongst those to question the enjoyment of listening to the new engines, the teams decided to look into ways of making it a more pleasurable experience.

Nico Rosberg, currently second to team-mate Lewis Hamilton in the drivers' championship, ran with an experimental 'megaphone' exhaust during his 55-lap morning session in Spain.

It was removed later in the day, with questions arising as to whether the trumpet-style addition had made a discernible difference.

"I drove behind him once but I didn't really hear much," Force India reserve driver Dani Juncadella told crash.net

"There is obviously not a lot of sound on the engines but I heard someone say there is not a big difference. We will see if it changes but for the moment it looks like it is not a big problem. It is just something very new for everyone."

Sauber's Giedo van der Garde ran in Tuesday's session, with Esteban Gutierrez replacing him on Wednesday but the former Caterham driver was on the pit-wall and also did not think Rosberg's car sounded much different to other runners.

"You hear a bit more sound, but it was not huge," he told Sky Sports News.

"Everyone is complaining about the sound but it is how it is. The cars go fast in a straight line and I quite like it. You get the whistle from a turbo and I'm quite pleased by it. For me it is fine."

By Press Association reporters