Amongst F1`s big guns
Midland on Friday unveiled its car for this year`s Formula One season but managing director Colin Kolles said the new boys remained realistic about its chances.
"Even though we have invested a great deal into building a brand-new car, we remain realistic about the challenge we face as a private team against the world`s top motor manufacturers," Kolles said.

The Toyota-powered car - adorned in grey, red and white livery - represents the first entry in the 56-year history of the World Championship to race with a Russian motorsport licence. Midland is financed by Russian-born chairman and co-founder Alex Shnaider, and took over last season`s Jordan team.

"It has been an exciting, sometimes bumpy ride since we accelerated our plans and became involved in F1 a year earlier than expected," said Kolles. "But through all the ups and downs, we maintained a clear vision of where want to be and, step by step, we are getting there. The M16 car is 100-percent a product of MF1 Racing - solid proof of our serious intentions."

Midland`s drivers for the season were confirmed as Tiago Monteiro of Portugal and Dutchman Christian Albers. Germans Markus Winkelhock and Adrian Sutil, as well as Roman Rusinov from Russia, were named as the team`s test drivers.

“Both Tiago and Christian had outstanding rookie years in 2005 and we believe this tandem forms a strong, competitive partnership that will benefit us in our first season as MF1 Racing," said Kolles. "Our three test drivers have all achieved considerable success in other formulae and we are confident they have the potential to develop into successful F1 drivers."

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