Jan 17, 2006, 15:26 GMT
Valencia - The new BMW-Sauber Formula One team launched its car for the 2006 Formula One season in Valencia Tuesday with BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen looking to challenge at the upper end of the grid as soon as possible.
'We are starting from position eight in the Constructors standings. Our target is to move towards the top as soon as possible,' said Theissen at the presentation of the F1.06.
Driver Nick Heidfeld, meanwhile, said he hoped to win races in the next three years, the length of time he is contracted to BMW-Sauber.
'Whoever wins races can also challenge for the title. That remains my goal,' said the 28-year-old German, who celebrated his first podium finish last season with the Williams-BMW team.
Heidfeld went on to admit the new car probably wouldn't be in a position to challenge McLaren-Mercedes and Renault at the opening Bahrain Grand Prix on March 12.
Team-mate Jacques Villeneuve, who demanded his contract with Sauber be fulfilled, also said he was looking to compete for race wins.
'The reason I'm still driving in Formula One is that I want to win and to challenge for the title,' said the 34-year-old Canadian.
BMW officially took over the Sauber F1 team on January 1 of this year although the contract was signed last July.
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