By BMW Sauber F1 Team
January 22 2009

The launch of a Formula One car is one of the most important moments in an entire Formula One season. 16 Race Club Platinum Members from Germany, Poland and Switzerland experienced the BMW Sauber F1.09's first kilometres at close hand. After arriving in the Spanish metropolis on the Mediterranean, the Race Club members were greeted by way of a tour of the harbour and a communal evening meal. The "Bodega Casa Montana" in Valencia's city centre provided the ideal atmosphere, while tapas and red wine helped add to the anticipation ahead of the roll-out of the F1.09.

In the early hours of the following morning, the shuttle bus took the Formula One fans to the "Circuit de la Comunitat" on the outskirts of the city. There, the Platinum Members watched the unveiling of the BMW Sauber F1.09 from the best seats just after 09:00hrs, and were able to comfortably watch Robert Kubica put the car through its paces for the first time. A press conference and tour of the track brought the first part of the event to a close.

Following a communal lunch, the focus was on meeting the BMW Sauber F1 Team drivers in person. The exclusive meet-and-greet session with Nick Heidfeld and test and reserve driver Christian Klien provided an opportunity for some unique photos and relaxed discussion. While all this was going on, Robert was out on the track giving the BMW Sauber F1.09 an intensive shakedown. This was a great success - as was the Valencia trip for the Platinum Members of the BMW Sauber F1 Team Race Club.