The BMW Sauber team unveiled their new C29 chassis at Valencia ahead of Formula One's first pre-season test.
New car launched but old team name stays for now
The BMW Sauber team unveiled their new C29 chassis at Valencia on Sunday ahead of Formula One's first pre-season test.
Having taken back control of the team following BMW's withdrawal and yet, for now, retaining the German manufacturer's name, founder Peter Sauber was on hand as the Ferrari-powered car was launched.
"The last few months have been very intense for us," said Sauber. "First we had to battle to secure the survival of the team and then we focused on putting a strong set-up in place for the future.
"The technical preparation of the 2010 car has continued uninterrupted and according to plan since the spring of 2009, despite all the turmoil."
Owing to the ban on refuelling, the new car features a bigger fuel tank than before and also incorporates a 'double-decker' diffuser, which is set to become standard for F1 cars this season.
Like McLaren's new MP4-25, it sports a dorsal fin engine cover and is liveried in white and dark blue - albeit without major sponsor logos.
The C29 will be raced by promising Japanese driver Kamui Kobayashi and veteran Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa.
Regarding the decision to preserve the team's name, Sauber said they must continue - for the time being at least - to use the name by which they committed to F1 via the Concorde Agreement.
"It is not planned before the start of the season," said Sauber. "We entered the 2010 season as BMW Sauber and this is the name."
He added that new engine supplier Ferrari has no problem with the situation.
The first of four pre-season group tests starts at Valencia's Circuit Ricardo Tormo on Monday.
