The new BMW Sauber F1.09 Formula One car was unveiled in Valencia, and Robert Kubica was the first to take the car out for a spin at the Spanish circuit. Like its competitors, the new F1 regulations have ruined its aesthetics. The 3-piece front wing stretches across the full width of the car while the rear wing is now slimmer and is unusually high. The front axle has been modified and the rear axle is a new design.
“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 eleven podium finishes in 2008 set an exacting standard. In 2009 we are looking to maintain our first-class reliability record while at the same time enhancing our performance levels so that we can be at the front of the pack on a consistent basis. We are aware that we are aiming extremely high. This is the final step in our development, and that’s generally the hardest one to take,” said BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen.
The new car will also have the KERS system, which was developed in Munich under the watch of Markus Duesmann, Head of Powertrain. It isn’t quite ready yet but is expected to be ready by the Melbourne race. Chassis development was the responsibility of Walter Riedl along with his technical team based in Hinwil, Switzerland.
The first shake-down comprised of 73 laps and went smoothly without a hitch. Kubica said they’ve already learned alot about how the car is responding to setup changes, but there was a slight lack of grip than usual despite the slick tyres because there was only one car on the track, so it wasn’t sufficiently warmed up. The car will continue testing in Valencia until Saturday.
Look after the jump for a video of the unveiling and the maiden lap.
Video: BMW Sauber F1.09 unveiling at Valencia
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i saw this in NEWS today…. BMW’s machine kinda luks better than the other till now…. But still need to wait till all the F1 machines are launched bcoz than only can judge which one luks better….
actually it looks smaller than the others!
im a supporter , GO BMW SAUBER !
Paul, i saw empty spaces on the front wings. Care for some sponsorship?
lol… hideous :p
go sauber !!!
credit suisse and intel sponsor was missing. what a lack of sponsor?
credit suisse pulled out, no credit…this car is as ugly as the renault from the front, the Mclaren and Williams looks best so far
less sponsor is good…
more noticeable.. :D
yeah.. so bad, economic downturn…
hvannees,
intel is seen at rear wings.
Hmm… very ambitious. Sorry, bt I’m rooting for Kimi’s Ferrari, YEAHHH!!!
if they stop using petronas maybe can win
Sex is wonderful, but it’s like champagne.If you’re forced to have four glasses at every meal you start to fantasize about water. said,
January 22, 2009 @ 12:06 pm
if they stop using petronas maybe can win
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Thats a pretty dumb remark. if they stop “using” petronas, they probably wont even be starting the F1 championship. Petronas is their main sponsor. without them, the team goes no where.
they can go somewhere lah.. even without petronas.
but they have to absorb all the high cost!
They can get #3 place what. oso win few 1st winner podium stand.
With what? BMW powered with syntium and primax gas.
so why bother?
ugly front wings…
If Fartlari using petronas, they will be beaten by Toyota, that is how good BMW is.
layman said,
January 22, 2009 @ 7:25 pm
If Fartlari using petronas, they will be beaten by Toyota, that is how good BMW is.
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what happens if force india use shell v-power racing
Then, force india will beat Toyota. Got it?
Go Go Go…… BMW SAUBER F1 TEAM….