At the Bluebird restaurant in the Kings Road, London today, Tyrrell Racing Organisation launched their newest, and last, Formula One car.

With the new regulations for 98 as well as changing from Ford ED V8 power to Zetec-R V10 have necessitated a completely new car design rather than the evolution favoured by most teams so far.

"The combination of the Ford V10 engine and the demands of the new regulations required a totally new car," explained Harvey Postlethwaite, the designer of the 026. "From the outset, we knew we wanted to spend more time on the aerodynamic package before 'freezing off' the design phase. In the end, we increased our wind tunnel time by 30 per cent compared with last year's car. The result is that the aerodynamic background to the 026 is more thorough than that of its predecessor."

"The 1998 season will see the arrival of a new generation of Formula One cars," said Ken Tyrrell. "That should make for a more even 'playing field' as all teams strive to get to grips with the demands of the new regulations. Tyrrell's strong technical depth should ensure the team is in a good position as it enters its 31st year of Grand Prix racing."

"Our confidence is also boosted by the fact that we will be able to use Ford's Zetec-R V10 engine for the first time. Tyrrell has enjoyed a long and productive relationship with Ford and Cosworth over the years, winning all of its World Championships with Ford power. A great deal of development has gone into the Zetec-R V10 during the last 12 months, and we're certain it is capable of providing the sort of performance required to allow the Tyrrell-Ford 026 to be fully competitive."

As yet, only Toranosuke Takagi has been confirmed on the driver front, but the likely choices are either 1997 Tyrrell driver Jos Verstappen or ex-Sauber and Williams driver, Jean Christophe Boullion.

Around the same time as the Tyrrell launch, Sauber launched their 98 car, the Petronas powered C17 in a joint presentation in and live on the internet.

Peter Sauber said "With Jean Alesi and Johnny Herbert we have one of the strongest driver pairings, we have improved the already proven and reliable Sauber Petronas V10 engine, and in our new Red Bull Sauber Petronas C17 you will find the experience and knowledge we have gained over the past five years. After five years in the supreme class of motorsport, we now have the experience necessary to make further progress. Team Red Bull Sauber Petronas enters the 1998 season strengthened on the technical and on the driver side. This year a considerable increase in World Championship points and more podium finishes have to bring us closer to our next step: To win races through our own efforts - and that by the year 2000."

Osamo Gotu, the man in charge of the development of the ex-Ferrari engine said that work over the winter had resulted in a lighter, more powerful engine without compromising the outstanding reliability record that the team had in 1997. In addition to this, there are more changes planned to improve the powerplant.

In addition to Johnny Herbert and Jean Alesi, Redbull Sauber have employed Jörg Müller as their designated test and reserve driver.