Here's some dates thus far: January 25 - launch for Mercedes GP January 28 - launch for Ferrari January 29 - launch for McLaren January 31 - launch for Sauber January 31 - launch for Renault February 12 - launch for Lotus - turning on engines on February 5 February ?? - launch date for USF1 Carol
These are just the unveilings and they are invite-only and generally very hard to get into (gotta be press or VIP). The testing (which happens later and all together, except USF1) isn't open to the public.
They are the 'real' cars, but the event is just for show... it's to unveil the car (and it's bodywork, it's shape, it's look, it's livery), let the sponsors hob-knob with the press, etc, etc. But I doubt you will see many changes at all to the car between the unveiling and the tests.
thanks Florian - wonder when they will announce the second driver? Re: Mercedes ->> The two Germans will make their first official public appearance with the team when they launch the new 2010 livery at Mercedes's museum in Stuttgart on January 25th. However, the livery will be displayed on the 2009 Championship-winning Brawn GP001 as the German carmaker will only unveil their 2010 challenger on the first day of pre-season testing. The team confirmed on Friday that the new car will only be shown to the world on February 1st at the Valencia circuit ahead of testing. Carol
Button confirms at Autosport that he will make his first run in the McLaren on February 3 in Valencia. Carol
Hmm... running late? Why would you present the new car at an event where it isn't the only thing in focus?
Yes, but if the car was finished, they could show off at the presentation AND at the track. The non-car media will surely pay more attention to the presentation than to the first tests.
To date, Lotus is the only NEW team to confirm its launch plans, with the Malaysian-backed team due to present their first car on February 2. The team has not yet confirmed a location for the launch, but could take place in Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur. February 1st McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa will conduct an initial shakedown of the car; Lewis on day two and Button on day three. If de la Rosa finds a seat elsewhere in the intervening period, it's likely the team's fourth driver Gary Paffett will take over for the first day. Carol
