The highly awaited official launch of the new BMW Sauber F1 monopost, took place today in Valencia, Spain this forenoon. This twelvemonth, Formula 1 introduces new rules and regulation, many that will influence the consequence of this championship. Underdogs may well have their best run a risk of scoring wins while its always possible a powerhouse like Ferrari could fall on its face.

There are radical rule changes for the 2009 title which include the render of slick tires. In the past decade, tires with iv grooves have been used in order to ho-hum downwards the F1 monoposts equally they got progressively faster throughout the 90'due south, as aerodynamics became more and more than prevalent and the current of air tunnels were standard in each time.

2009launchbmw s017 498x329

In 2009 the aerodynamic rules have changed to ban the use of any winglets, flip ups, or air modifiers on the side pods of the car. 2009 title also allows the F1 teams to run a kinetic energy recovery organisation ( wiki:KERS ).

Stew from BMWF1blog will report some more afterwards today and give u.s. a more detailed analysis.

2009launchbmw s020 498x338

In the hateful time, hither is the press release along with some photos:

BMW Sauber F1.09

Valencia, 20th January 2009. The BMW Sauber F1 Team raised the pall on its 2009 season in Formula I in Valencia this morning. Robert Kubica (24) and Nick Heidfeld (31) unveiled the new BMW Sauber F1.09 presently subsequently ix o'clock. Kubica then took the machine for its first lap of the southern Spanish circuit. The team goes into its 4th flavor with the ambitious aim of fighting for the World Championship title.
BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen reinforces the point: "We have set ourselves the task of further improving our performance relative to the rest of the field. The 1-2 in Canada and a total of 11 podium finishes in 2008 set an exacting standard. In 2009 we are looking to maintain our fantabulous reliability record while at the same fourth dimension enhancing our performance levels so that we tin can be at the forepart of the pack on a consistent basis. We are aware that we are aiming extremely loftier. This is the final step in our development, and that'southward generally the hardest 1 to take."

Building the new car represented a massive challenge. Central changes to the regulations have, in many cases, consigned the fruits of experience to the dustbin. Development work on what is a radically unlike race car got underway even earlier than usual. Indeed, the concept phase for the BMW Sauber F1.09 began dorsum in Feb 2008. The 2009 car cuts a very different figure from all of its predecessors. Its nose is higher and much wider than before. The huge front wing consists of three elements and stretches across the total width of the automobile. The rear wing, on the other hand, is considerably slimmer – in line with the new regulations – and stands unusually high confronting the onrushing air. Intricate aerodynamic add-ons, such as air deflectors and cooling air exits, have been reduced to a minimum. Other eye-catching features include the sidepods, which are now higher at the front end.

2009 also marks the return of treadless tires or slicks to Formula 1. These will deliver increased forepart-finish grip, which makes moving more than weight to the nose of the automobile an bonny proposition. Counteracting this, yet, is some other new development which the teams accept the option of introducing in the upcoming season: KERS (Kinetic Free energy Recovery System). The component parts of this technology add extra weight at the rear of the machine. Alongside aerodynamics and the optimum use of the slick tires, the integration of KERS represents another key challenge for the engineers. To this finish, the front axle has been modified and the rear axle is a new blueprint.

Willy Rampf is responsible for the F1.09 concept and will oversee operations at the race rail in his chapters every bit Technical Coordinator. Managing Director of BMW Sauber AG Walter Riedl will atomic number 82 the technical department at Hinwil in Switzerland and has responsibility for the development of the car.

While the chassis is the work of the Hinwil squad, the KERS applied science has been developed in Munich. There, Markus Duesmann (Caput of Powertrain) and his squad likewise have the chore of preparing the BMW V8 engine for the extra mileage stipulated in the regulations. Each driver is allocated viii engines for the total of 17 races in 2009.

Information technology may exist all-modify in terms of the technology behind the car, but the men backside the bicycle volition be the same as in 2008. The BMW Sauber F1 Team volition one time again line upward on the grid with the Pole Robert Kubica and High german Nick Heidfeld as its commuter pairing. And 26-year-former Austrian Christian Klien also stays with the team equally test and reserve commuter.

The squad's race drivers both demonstrated impressive reliability in 2008. Kubica racked up the most points for the team. The Pole added his proper name to the list of Formula I race winners in Canada, brought home the team'due south starting time pole position in Bahrain and besides notched up three second places and three third-identify finishes during the course of the season. For 2009 he is hoping "that we are as stiff at the first of the season equally in 2008 and that we can maintain this level of performance upward to the final race."

Kubica's team-mate Heidfeld, meanwhile, collected four 2nd places and recorded the team'southward kickoff two fastest race laps in 2008. Looking ahead to the new season, he says: "The team started piece of work early on the wide range of changes. I'thousand confident that we're in good shape and am looking forward to the first race, when we'll see whether the balance of power has shifted at all."

The BMW Sauber F1 Squad has conducted intensive preparations for 2009 as it attempts to achieve its latest aggressive aim. These have included early testing with KERS and new aero elements. "In the iii years since the BMW Sauber F1 Team was formed, we have ever met the goals nosotros prepare ourselves and are confident that we can practice and so again this season," explains Theissen. Notwithstanding, no matter how motivated the team may exist and how much evolution work they take behind them, gauging their progress confronting the contest has never been and then difficult – as Theissen acknowledges: "You tin plan your level of performance, but not your results."