F1: Mercedes to blow their own trumpet in testing

BARCELONA - Formula One pacesetters Mercedes will try out a new 'megaphone' style exhaust in testing next week as the sport seeks ways of raising noise levels and placating fans angered by the new quieter V6 engines.

Mercedes will evaluate a prototype solution during next week's test to assess its impact on the tailpipe noise.

— MERCEDES AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) May 8, 2014

It's a first step in a development process to address the feedback from our sport's #MegaFans about these mega new hybrid Power Units.

— MERCEDES AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) May 8, 2014

This weekend, we'll be working to make that Hybrid power sing on track. We think it's a pretty sweet, sweet music :) #NoSpainNoGain

— MERCEDES AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) May 8, 2014

The team said on their Twitter feed that the 'prototype solution' to boost tailpipe noise would be put on the car at a scheduled test in Barcelona after Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix, the fifth race of the year.

Reports had earlier suggested they could do so in Friday practice but a spokesman said that would not happen.

German media quoted Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff earlier in the week as saying that possible solutions ranged from the very complex to putting a "simple megaphone at the back.”

Formula One has ditched the raucous, screaming 2.4 liter V8 engines with their twin exhausts this season in favor of turbocharged 1.6 liter V6 power units with energy recovery systems and a single tailpipe.

Critics panned the softer sound at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix with promoters complaining and the sport's commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone saying the noise needed to be louder.  - Reuters