Heidfeld concludes first laps with new BMW Sauber.

BMW Sauber driver, Nick Heidfeld enjoyed a 'trouble-free' outing in the new F1.06 Tuesday, when he gave the car its first run at Valencia, following the official unveiling.

Heidfeld notched up the first lap with the new BMW Sauber F1.06 at around 1.20 pm this afternoon and following his installation lap he returned to the garage for the usual checks. After that he went on to complete 29 laps, his best time a 1 minute 13.430 seconds.

"I have never been more nervous than before any other roll-out I have experienced because this is a bigger and long-term programme, and I feel so much passion for this project," said Heidfeld.

"The first laps with the BMW Sauber F1.06 were absolutely trouble-free, and to begin with I used intermediate tyres as the track was still damp in places. After this first experience I am really looking forward to the forthcoming test days, as we continue to work further in order to find out where we are."

BMW motorsport director, Mario Theissen was also satisfied after seeing the car out on track for the first time.

"The initial roll-out is the most exciting moment of the year for the engineers," added Theissen. "After some nine months of development and simulation we could finally run the car in real time for the first time and get feedback from the driver. We are very pleased that this first day of systems checking ran so smoothly. That's a good beginning. Now the car is gaining momentum and getting faster and faster with every lap."

Jacques Villeneuve meanwhile was also in action, the Canadian driving the interim car, the Sauber C24B. Despite an electronic error early on, which caused some gearbox problems, he ended the day having completed 50 laps, his best a 1m 14.037s.

The BMW Sauber F1 Team now continues testing at Valencia for the next two days, using both the new F1.06 and the C24B.