Launch time is in the air

Expect a fresh wave of optimism, with teams and drivers gamely talking up their prospects before the bitter chill of reality changes the body language, when Formula One's launch season picks up speed this week.

Expect a fresh wave of optimism, with teams and drivers gamely talking up their prospects before the bitter chill of reality changes the body language, when Formula One's launch season picks up speed this week.

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McLaren, Ferrari and Force India followed early starters Caterham in taking the wraps off their new cars. Others, including double world champion Sebastian Vettel's Red Bull, will do likewise ahead of the first pre-season test starting at Jerez in southern Spain on Tuesday.

Michael Schumacher's Mercedes and Marussia (the renamed Virgin Racing) will not be among them after deciding to delay their launches until the second test in Barcelona when struggling HRT are also hoping to have something to show off.