AutoRacing - BMW & Ferrari launches 2006 F1 Cars

Ferrari launched its new challenger with the aim to reclaim the F1 throne that it lost this year to Renault. After its dissapointing 2005 season with a lower than standard car resulting in only one victory in Indianapolis (because only 4 teams raced there...), Ferrari is under pressure from fans, owners, sponsors and its most famous driver Michael Schumacher to perform to par this year. Ferrari starts the 2006 with one less team sponsor (not that it lacks any) - Vodafone. However, the fan base of Ferrari remains strong and is probably one of the largest amongst F1 teams.

Michael Schumacher in the 2006 Ferrari F1 Car in Fiorano


Shell is obviously one of their largest sponsor, look at the background.

On the other hand, BMW launched its inaugural championship contender under the banner of BMW Sauber F1. Launched in Valencia, Spain, the team and car launch also saw new merchandise and team apparels for the new team. The car comes out designed in BMW Motorsport's colours in Blue, Red & White. This car should be one of the most awaited launch before the season starts, because of its new team status. Besides the new livery, its sponsors - Credit Suisse & Intel also showcased their new corporate identity in the new car.


The new BMW Sauber F1.06


Side profile - Petronas is their main sponsor.


O2 is another new sponsor. With the takeover of Sauber by BMW, the team seems to have grown and will soon be a force to be reckoned with.