Formula One teams plan joint 2010 launch

Formula One teams are planning to launch their cars for the 2010 season in a joint unveiling just before the first pre-season test in Valencia in January.

The idea is said to have come about in a bid to cut costs, although it will mean that not all teams will be able to present track-ready cars at the event due to entering the sport later on this year. Lotus F1 team principle Tony Fernandes said, "I won't have a car at that time. I could come with a Matchbox car". The team hopes to have their car ready in February.

Representatives of each of the teams will meet in Monaco this week, where plans will be discussed.

Most drivers are expected to have been announced by the time of the launch, with rumours mounting over the possibility of Michael Schumacher driving for Mercedes GP next year. Chief executive Nick Fry has said an announcement regarding its driver line-up could come before Christmas, but is more likely early next month.