Mercedes’ (33/1 Formula 1 – Constructors Championship 2012) absence from the first official Formula 1 test of 2012 will not affect their chances of success this coming season, according to driver Nico Rosberg.

The German spoke out following an announcement from his team that they would not be present at the Jerez test on February 7-10 because they wanted more time developing their new W03 car for this year’s F1 campaign.

And, while it was claimed the decision might ultimately hinder Mercedes’ chances, Rosberg feels it could pay dividends in the long run following a disappointing start to 2011.

“It is just the choice that they have made and I am happy with that,” Rosberg (50/1 Formula 1 – World Drivers Championship 2012) told Autosport.

“With the way the factory is going now, I am confident,” he added.

“This year we would not have managed to do the first race if we had run the car that late, but with the way the factory is now optimised, I am confident that we can quite happily make it happen and the car can race very soon after the first test – with just a few bits and pieces that need to be sorted out. That shows already that the team is a big improvement.”