F1 Teams To Have Joint Launch

All 13 F1 teams are reportedly expected to unveil their cars for the 2010 season together at a joint launch ahead of the first pre-season test at the end of January.

According to media reports, the teams are understood to have agreed to the idea as part of a continued effort to cut costs.

Mercedes chief executive Nick Fry said that the teams will discuss the details of the launch in Monaco, where their representatives are meeting this week.

However, a common launch could mean not all the teams will be able to launch track-ready cars.

Lotus F1 team principal Tony Fernandes told media sources that a January launch would come too soon for his new team, who plan to have their car ready in early February.

But Fry claimed that a group launch would be more ‘consumer friendly’.

Team representatives were also gathered in Monaco for a meeting of the F1 Commission, which agrees rule changes before they are finalised by the FIA.

It is the first time the group, which is comprised of representatives of the teams, governing body the FIA, commercial rights holders, circuit owners and sponsors, has met for four years.