Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug has told the Formula One paddock to be patient with the three new teams in 2010, saying that they should be given respect for the work they have put in just to get to the starting grid.
Although the reaction to the new F1 teams, Virgin Racing, 'Lotus' and HRT F1, have been mixed, and they are likely to lap a good few seconds slower than the other teams in the Bahrain season opener, Haug has followed his former associates at McLaren in asking the established F1 names to give the newcomers time to adapt to the sport.
"I think first of all we need to pay respect to these teams," Haug bellowed at some reporters at the Sakhir track.
"It just shows it's not easy to come into Formula 1. This is a very competitive environment and I would say that you can have at least seven to eight teams that are very, very competitive this year."
He went on to say that: "It's not only four teams. A team like Force India has improved a lot. Toro Rosso is still improving, so I think that is better than ever in Formula 1.
"But the new ones that are coming now need to make big steps but we should give them some time. I think it is a very good sign that new teams are coming amid difficult circumstances. It's not easy for them to find support and sponsorship money.
"I'm sure they worked very hard and my view is that I pay them a lot of respect. And of course they need to improve."
Haug's view was backed up by returning seven-time champion Michael Schumacher, who said that it was good to see new teams entering the sport.
"I think what Norbert said already what you have to see. They give the maximum effort to arrive in Formula 1," Schumacher muttered, "It means a lot of dedication and this is much more important to see that people are interested to come into Formula 1.
"And you need to give them time. Everybody needed time when they arrived and I think it's great to see so much interest from new teams that they risk such a step."
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