Sauber reveal C29 in Valencia
Sauber revealed the C29 at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia on Sunday
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By Darren Estwick. |  |
Sunday, 31, Jan 2010 11:01
By Adam Leveridge.
The BMW Sauber team launched their 2010 challenger the C29 in Valencia on Sunday, on the eve of the first formula one test of the year at the Ricardo Tormo circuit.
The Hinwii-based outfit was purchased by its former owner Peter Sauber when BMW withdrew from the sport at the end of last year and, after a a difficult winter, the team expects to face further challenges during the coming season.
"The last few months have been very intense for us," says team boss and owner Peter 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.
"We have a long tradition of bringing together an up-and-coming youngster and an experienced campaigner as a driver combination - and it's an approach that has brought us a lot of success.
"Pedro de la Rosa has been working at the highest level technically for many years and for a top team, and we can benefit as a team from this experience.
"Young Kamui Kobayashi also has a lot to offer us, and last year he impressed me particularly in Abu Dhabi."
De la Rosa returns to a full-time race seat after seven years of working with the McLaren team as their test and reserve driver.
He said: "At last I can feel like a proper racing driver again. I've really missed the competition out on the track.
"At the same time, though, I've learned a lot technically and on the systems side, and now I want to bring that knowledge to the team."
Kobayashi made a big impression with his agressive style and fearless attitude, when he stepped into Timo Glock's shoes at Toyota for the final two races of 2009 and he said that he is really looking forward to his first full season in F1.
"I'm very proud that Peter Sauber has shown so much faith in me and I'm determined not to disappoint him," he added.
"My aim is that he will end up being proud of me as well."