Curtain rises on the F1.08 of BMW-Sauber in Munich

The BMW Sauber team became, on this Monday, January 14, the fourth F1 team to unveil its 2008 car with an official launch from Munich, Germany.

The new F1.08, with which BMW hopes to take a step forward starting March 16, the beginning of the season in Australia. This 2008 version is the third F1 car as Sauber has only been affiliated with BMW since 2005.

The single-seater, which did a few laps at 2 PM this afternoon on a track reserved by BMW, incorporates a triple front wing, winglets behind the cockpit, and wheel covers at the front and rear.

BMW was one of the surprises of the 2007 season, as it established itself as the third force behind Ferrari and McLaren.

The team finished in second place in the constructors’ championship following McLaren’s disqualification from the standings.

« We have come a very long way in two and a half years, that is to say, since the new team was created, » said BMW Motorsport chief Mario Theissen at the launch.

« We have completed two full seasons and a lot of effort has gone into the new car. The F1.08 incorporates everything we have learned and experienced over the past two years. It will be a big step forward. »

« We are very confident in facing our opponents. Very prestigious opponents, and we have been present for just a few years. »

Theissen thinks it will be difficult to win their first Grand Prix with McLaren and Ferrari as competitors.

« It will certainly be difficult, as the two teams facing us are much stronger and more experienced, » he added.

« We have made good progress over the last two years, I am convinced that we can bridge the gap. »

The drivers competing in the race will be Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica, who are staying with the team for the third consecutive year.

« We believe they are the best drivers for our team. I am almost certain they can still improve, even this year because the car is supposed to be superior to last year’s. There is a good relationship between the drivers and the engineers. »

« I consider the drivers as key members of the technical team and with Nick and Robert we can be sure to make progress, » concluded Mario Theissen.

See the photos of the BMW-Sauber F1.08 by clicking here