BMW aim to keep momentum with F1.07

BMW were one of the surprises of the 2006 season, scoring 36 points on their way to fifth place in the standings, and grabbing their first podium finishes since the German car maker took over from the Sauber team.

"It is not just another launch, another car, it is the first car developed by new team," said BMW motorsport boss during the launch at the Valencia circuit. "It really is the first BMW Sauber. It is a very, very special day for us.

"When we started more than a year ago, we established a clear plan. It is straightforward to win points in 2006, to be on the podium with our own strength in 2007 and to win races after that. We stick to that plan.

"We are in the middle of a two-year ramp up phase now, which includes the increased of staff. We have moved from 275 to 400, we will go to 430 eventually, the new factory is under consideration.

"We have turned the wind tunnel from one shift to three shifts, we have taken on a new supercomputer, we have established a test team. We have ramped up operation quite significantly."

Theissen is under no illusions about how hard it will be to break into the top four in 2007.

"The four ahead of us were at least 50 points more, it is quite a big gap," said Theissen. "The good message is every point we gain they lose so the gap closes from both sides, but we want to take the next step with this car."

He admits, however, that BMW want to keep their momentum in 2007.

"It is our expectation. We had a very good season last year, we jumped from P8 to P5 but now we want to take the next step to shorten the gap to the top teams," he added.

The new car will make its track debut at 1pm local time.