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Mercedes GP has adopted an aggressive engine cover design as part of the upgrade that it hopes will help lift it closer to the front from this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.

As well as increasing the wheelbase of the W01 to try and improve the weight distribution on the car, the Brackley-based team has introduced a host of aerodynamic improvements to its car.

One of those updates includes a dramatic relocation of the engine airbox inlets - moving them away from right behind the drivers' head and situating them further back down the engine cover.

This design means the top of the roll hoop is now very thin - which should bring an aerodynamic advantage in terms of reducing drag.

The W01 is also expected to feature the latest version of the F-Duct that the team tried out for the first time in the Chinese Grand Prix, with the lengthened wheelbase having been achieved through a re-angling of the front wishbones.

AUTOSPORT understands that Michael Schumacher shook down the updated car during a filming day at Rockingham last week, with the German hoping to get more comfortable with the characteristics of the W01 after a difficult start to the season.