The new car is poised for its debut on the opening day of the first test in Valencia next Monday, leaving Schumacher, Rosberg et al to stand alongside last season’s double championship-winning model.

The obvious difference, however, was the white, yellow and black of the Brawn GP car that carried Jenson Button to the title, has now been replaced by Mercedes’ traditional silver.

Manufacturing giant Mercedes completed a takeover of the Brackley-based team in November, with Brawn then luring Schumacher out of his three-year hiatus following Button’s defection to McLaren.

Schumacher had planned to return with Ferrari for the European Grand Prix in Valencia last season, only for a neck injury sustained in a motorbike accident last February to scupper those plans.

But the enthusiasm he received on that occasion encouraged him to consider a full-time return.

Speaking at the Mercedes-Benz museum on his first public appearance for the team, Schumacher said: “We saw it (the enthusiasm) in the summertime and I was hugely thrilled.”

With Schumacher’s eagerly-anticipated return just 48 days away in Bahrain, the German added: “Being part of this team is a great feeling, a great emotion.

“It’s a great compliment to the fans because it gives me an extra push to be involved.”

Rosberg was announced as the first German to be signed for Mercedes since 1955, and he said: “It’s very special, a dream come true. It’s fantastic, and I really look forward to it.

“Working with people like Ross, Nick, Norbert, and especially Michael, is something I’m very much looking forward to.”

Reflecting on being part of Mercedes, Brawn said: ``For me, it means several things.

“One, it means a wonderful future for our team which only a year ago didn’t know it had a future.

“Working with Michael again is a very special event I didn’t know would happen again, so for motivation, it’s exciting for me to be involved with him again.

“Nico is a wonderful prospect and I’m sure he will enjoy working with Michael and seeing how a seven-time world champion operates.

“The final thing is being part of the rebirth of the racing team of such an iconic brand as Mercedes-Benz.

“I’ve been very privileged to be involved in many great things in my time, but this is very special indeed.”

Appreciating the history and heritage of Mercedes, and what is at stake, Fry remarked: “Walking around, seeing all the cars here, shows how much we have to live up to. We know we’re very humbled.

“A year ago we were a small team, but now we’re part of a very special team. Everything here is very inspiring.

“As I say, we’ve a lot of to live up to, but we’ve a great time ahead of us I’m sure.”

Assessing the year ahead, Schumacher added: “Finally the 2010 Formula One season is firing up.

“I have to say I am totally committed to this new challenge. This season feels like a restart for me and I am so motivated.

“We have a very exciting combination here. We have a world champion team in every sense of the word, and I cannot wait to get into the car for the first time in Valencia.

“I am convinced the team will be in a very good position to fight for the championships this season and I will definitely give it a go.

“Driving for Mercedes-Benz again is like the closing of a circle for me as I started my racing-driver career (in sports cars) with the three-pointed star on my helmet.

“This is another reason why I cannot wait for the competition to get under way.”