Kamui Kobayashi and Sergio Pérez pulled the covers off Sauber's 2011 car today at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia. The C30 livery is a lot more colourful than the 2010 car, with some splashes of blue, red and yellow sponsor colour invading the white space.

The rear of the car has had a lot of attention to detail, with a blown diffuser integrated, plus the sidepods are sculpted for better aerodynamics. Sauber will be using a KERS device provided by Ferrari, as well as the engine, gearbox and hydraulics system. As such, they've moved towards the Ferrari push-rod suspension, rather than the pull-rod version from 2010, and which was so successful for Red Bull last year.

Sauber Technical Director, James Key, wants no surprises when the car hits the circuit:

It is important for us to go into winter testing with a car we understand, and we have worked hard on ensuring the characteristics of the car are heading in a direction we believe in. There will be much to learn about the new Pirelli tyres and in this respect we want to ensure there are no surprises with the way the car is handling.

- James Key

Sauber are fielding one of the least experienced teams on the grid, with rookie driver Sergio Pérez making his F1 debut in 2011, and Kamui Kobayashi entering only his second full year behind the wheel. However, Kobayashi is prepared to step up:

I have to be ready to lead the team. That's why Peter Sauber and the team chose me for this year. This is definitely my challenge and let's say I am ready to be the leader for the team.

- Kamui Kobayashi

Even if the new colours on the car will take some getting used to, the good news is that the additional sponsors are adding some much-needed funds to Sauber's bank balance. Team boss Peter Sauber says:

We want to finish in the points regularly and clearly improve our position in the FIA Formula 1 constructors' world championship. 2010 marked the 41st year of our company history and one of the most difficult... We have managed to secure our business foundation for the 2011 season. In these economically straitened times that is something we can be proud of too.

- Peter Sauber

The C30 will hit the track tomorrow for the first day of pre-season testing.