North Star Racing have provided the first glimpse of how the 2018 Formula Virtual grid will look, as their challenger was revealed this weekend to gathered media and fans in the center of Edinburgh. Team principal Nick Forrest was on hand to remove the covers from their 2018 challenger, along with race drivers Judson Sikes and Johan Halvosen, plus reserve driver Gabriele García. The NSR-V03 sports not only the wider track and more aggressive aerodynamics expected on the 2018 cars, the new regulations allowing shark fins in Formula Virtual for the first time, but also a striking new black and pink livery, courtesy of sponsorship from German telecommunications company Deutsche Telekom. After the cars were unveiled, questions were put to the four on stage, with Forrest eager to thank the fans for their support over the previous season. "I think it's safe to say that in 2017, we achieved so much more than we had anticipated at the outset. Obviously, it wouldn't have been possible without the hard work and dedication of all the guys up in Perth, but also the fans who stuck with us from the outset, and I think our victory in Canada stands testament to that." Forrest was then asked if the new car would be as fast as the previous one "We don't know, because it doesn't have an engine in it yet," he stated, drawing some laughter from the crowd. "The BMW guys are still putting the MPE-18 together, the rule changes on that came a little late for our liking, but it will definitely all be up and running for testing in March." The team's new signing, Johan Halvosen, joins from Meteor with a pair of race victories to his name. However, the Dane is not expecting to add to that tally with North Star just yet. "I think, what they achieved last year, I'd be surprised if we were near that level straight away, but from where they were in the first season, it was incredible. I'm really looking forward to seeing where we can go together." Judson Sikes will be going into his third season with the British outfit, but admits he will need to up his performance behind the wheel. "Definitely, we saw last year that there was more speed to come out of the car," the Russian explained, referring to the mid-season arrival of Karl Beckenbauer. "We've been working really hard over the winter to find some more pace, and I hope that we have something to show for that on the track." While Gabriele García will race in the VWRS this season, the Brazilian still has one eye on a Formula Virtual seat for next year. "Of course, to be racing in Formula Virtual, it's everything I've been working towards, and this year I'm hoping to prove what I'm capable of in the car, next year, hopefully racing alongside one of these guys." Asked what his expectations were for the coming season, Forrest appeared to be in agreement with Halvosen. "Like Johan said, it'd be a miracle if we were fighting for podiums and wins again. I think staying in the top half of the championship seems a reasonable target, but with a shakeup of this size over the winter, anything can happen. We'll have to see what pre-season testing brings us." Further images of the NSR-V03 can be seen below.
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