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Sauber has become the first Formula 1 team to set its 2010 launch date, having announced that it will reveal its new car at the Valencia circuit on Sunday 31 January.

The squad will hold its launch on the eve of the first pre-season test, which takes place at the Spanish track from 1-3 February. The Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) had originally hoped that all 13 teams could reveal their 2010 cars in a single launch event, but this plan had to be shelved on logistical grounds.

Founder Peter Sauber has reclaimed ownership of his team for 2010 following BMW's withdrawal and the abortive Qadbak takeover, although it is still using BMW Sauber F1 Team as its official title at present.

BMW's departure has led to staff reductions at Sauber, and a switch to Ferrari engines. The team has signed ex-Toyota man Kamui Kobayashi as its first driver but is yet to announce who will occupy its second cockpit.