BMW Sauber's 2006 challenger got its official launch in Spain on Tuesday. The F1.06 was unveiled before more than 500 journalists and guests in the futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias building at Valencia.

"We have worked hard over the last seven months," declared BMW Motorsport Director, Professor Mario Theissen. "We've driven forward the integration of the two locations, got an interim car up and running, signed up the drivers, concluded contracts with our major partners and negotiated 90 work contracts for new staff."

"That's not bad as an interim progress report. But we are not under any illusions: we have a long road ahead of us. 2006 is a year of transition, and so would be premature to declare any sporting objectives. The main thing is that everything is pointing in the right direction."

The design of the F1.06, which BMW Sauber describe as an 'all-new concept', is heavily influenced by its shorter and more fuel efficient V8 engine and features a 'keel-less' front suspension, a system also seen on the latest Toyota.