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Sauber F1 Confirms 2010 Car Launch on January 31

While the majority of the Formula One “big guns” have already confirmed their presence in the first test of the winter with their brand new challengers (at Valencia, 1st thru 3rd of February), none have so far announced any launch dates for their 2010 cars. The first outfit to break the ice was BMW Sauber, headed by new Swiss owner Peter Sauber.

The team has now confirmed that it will launch the 2010 challenger on January 31st, the very last day before the testing ban imposed by the FIA for the winter off-season expires. The car will be presented to the media on the same Ricardo Tormo track that is to host the first 3 days of testing for the 2010 season of Formula One.

Needless to say, Sauber will also be present at the Valencia testing. However, a much more important announcement is expected to come from the Hinwil headquarters in the upcoming few days, namely the one regarding Kamui Kobayashi's teammate for the 2010 season.

Speculation on Kobayashi's teammate have grown in recent days, with two main candidates now racing for the vacant spot. The first one is McLaren's test driver Pedro de la Rosa, while the second is Ferrari's reserve racer Giancarlo Fisichella.

According to the latest reports in Italy and Spain, Fisichella now holds the highest chances of making the cut, thanks to Sauber's new engine deal with Ferrari. With BMW deciding to walk away from F1 completely, Peter Sauber signed a partnership with the Scuderia for their 2010 powertrain, likely to lead to Fisichella being imposed in Sauber's lineup.

What's confirmed about the 2nd driver to wear the Sauber race suit next year is the fact that he's experienced, as revealed to the media by the very team owner Peter Sauber last week.
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