Red Bull has announced that this year’s single seater, the RB9, will be unveiled on 3 February.
With the ’launch’ set to take place at the team’s Milton Keynes (UK) headquarters, 3 February is the Sunday prior to Tuesday’s opening day of winter testing.
It gives the reigning champions only two days to travel to Jerez, Spain, for the opening day of running.
But there has been speculation designer Adrian Newey, who admits he is behind schedule with the RB9’s development, could elect to begin the pre-season period with the team’s title-winning 2012 car.
"The RB9 will be unveiled on Sunday 3 February in Milton Keynes ahead of the first test in Jerez," Red Bull announced on Twitter.
"More details to follow."