Zoom Expect something different

Adding its name to the gowing list of 2009 car presentations, the Red Bull Racing team has announced that the RB5 will be making its debut during testing at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit in Spain on Monday, February 9th.

"Our strategic plan has always been to take full advantage of the later start to the 2009 season and we are using the time to ensure we have optimised the car as much as possible, within the regulation changes, to start on the grid in Melbourne," said Team Principal Christian Horner.

No word yet on the launch of the Toro Rosso sister car, although it has been said that official presentations might wait until March. Force India should be doing the same.

Ferrari has announced it will run its new car on January 12th at the Fiorano track in Italy, accompanied with a photographic sneak peek on their website. Toyota has penned down the 15th for its internet-only presentation. In the UK, McLaren will be lifting the veil at Woking a day later, on the 16th.

Renault and Williams will debut their 2009 contenders on January 19th in Portugal at the Algarve Motor Park during a test session, with BMW Sauber doing the same on the 20th in Valencia, Spain.

As for the "former" Honda team, work is still being carried out on their new racer while management seeks to sign a deal with potential buyers. The team hoped to participate in at least one test session before the Australian Grand Prix in March; whether a hybrid 2008 or 2009-spec car will be on hand remains to be seen.

Daniel BASTIEN
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