BMW launch F1.08

The new car, whose design echoes that of most of it's rivals, features a longer wheelbase than their 2007 car in order to improve weight distribution in the wake of the banning of electronic driver aids.

"We have come quite a long way in two and a half years since the new team was created," said BMW motorsport chief Mario Theissen.

"We had two strong seasons and we spent a lot of effort on the new car. The F1.08 includes everything we learned, everything we experienced in the past two years. It will be a big step forward again.

"We are very confident to turn the battle with the cars in front of us into a battle with more than two years."

Nick Heidfeld, who gave the car its first run out on the roof of the BMW factory, and Robert Kubica will drive the cars this year.

The pair will have their first 'proper' runs in the car at Jerez in Spain on January 15.