Mercedes announce February launch date at Silverstone

Lewis Hamilton will get his first drive of the Mercedes car that could propel him to a sixth Formula One world championship on February 13.

Hamilton, 34, and team-mate Valtteri Bottas, will put the new Silver Arrow through its paces during a private shakedown test at Silverstone.

In recent seasons, Mercedes, the reigning five-time constructors' champions, have launched their new machinery to much fanfare at the venue for the British Grand Prix, but this year's event will take place behind closed doors.

Hamilton, who beat Sebastian Vettel to the championship with two rounds to spare last year, is bidding to move to within one title of Michael Schumacher's record haul of seven.

Vettel's Ferrari team are due to unveil their car two days after Mercedes.

The opening winter test begins in Barcelona on February 18, ahead of the season-opening race in Melbourne one month later.