4 Dec 2010

Sauber to launch new F1 car late January

6:16 am on 4 December 2010

The Swiss-based Sauber team will launch their 2011 Formula One car in Valencia on January the 31st before the first test of the new season.

The Ferrari-powered team, eighth overall this year, have Japan's Kamui Kobayashi and Mexican rookie Sergio Perez lined up as their drivers.

Team founder, owner and principal Peter Sauber said this week that development of the C30 was going to plan.

Sauber, who has reacquired 100 percent of the team after previous owners BMW left the sport at the end of 2009, said there were no plans to sell any shares.

He hailed Kobayashi as an inspiration for the team in his first full season and expected Perez, backed by new sponsor Telmex, to be a quick learner.