BMW-Sauber launch 2008 car

The race to this year’s Formula One World Championship is stepping up a gear, as BMW Sauber has launched its 2008 challenger. The new F1.08 is the third car the team has produced since BMW took control in 2005, and hopes are high that it will give the Swiss based outfit its first win.

After a competitve 2007, in which the team scored two podiums and finished in the points in every race, it’s set to go head-to-head with the front-running Ferrari and McLaren squads.

With a raft of aero­dynamic changes and a powerful BMW engine, the new car has all the ingredients necessary to bridge the gap. What's more, both of last year’s drivers have been retained. Team leader is Nick Heidfeld. The 30-year-old German finished fifth in 2007, and he’s confident that this year he can go even better.

“The target this season is to take home our first race win,” said Heidfeld, “and needless to say I want to be the driver who does it.”

He will be backed up by Polish star Robert Kubica. The 23-year old made his mark in 2007 with a spectacular high-speed crash at the Canadian Grand Prix. But he is hoping this year will be memorable for different reasons.

“We have made big progress since last season, and I belive this car will help Nick and I to win races,” he explained