Downton have tonight revealed their 2021 Formula Virtual challenger - the BD09 - at a virtual event for fans who entered a competition to win tickets to be amongst the first people to see the car that will serve Downton's title defence. The virtual event was attended by 1,000 competition winners and select media, with both team principal Bradley Downton and driver Klaas van Snelheid giving speeches to accompany the unveiling, while reserve Matteo Zetticci was also in attendance. Defending Champion Nathaniel Powers was a notable absence however, with Downton commenting that personal circumstances had prevented him attending the event. "The BD09 is going to be a noticeable departure from it's predecessor," Downton began before the car was unveiled. "This is largely down to the rather significant regulation changes that have occurred, however the car has also been relatively notably revised on the livery side too. We've listened to the fans, and the addition of the white we ran last year was not a tremendously popular feature, so it has largely disappeared. But rather than me talk about, shall we let you take a look?" With that, the car was unveiled to the audience. Following the announcement last month that Downton had switched to Repsol as their petroleum supplier, speculation has been rife that the car will heavily feature Repsol colouring, which has proved true to an extent - with the famous white and red branding blending in with Downton's standard orange livery on the front half of the car. "As you can see, Repsol now adorns the sides of the nose and creates a beautiful design on the front end, incorporating white in a far better way than we managed last year! That's the most significant change, though the entire livery has had an overhaul, and I'm of the opinion this is the sleekest, best-looking Downton we've ever produced! We've had to shuffle the driver information on the engine cover because of the removal of the shark fins, however our designer Nick Forrest has done a fantastic job with fitting all of this in still. We are also expecting to feature coloured wheel rims this season, however unfortunately we've had some problems getting them sorted so have been unable to display them at launch, but they will be visible once testing gets underway." van Snelheid added: "I'm a big fan. I think the refreshed livery looks ace, but I more care about how it goes on track. It looks quick, so hopefully that proves true. I can't wait to get behind the wheel for more than a filming day." Following the comments, fans were treated to a slideshow of images of the new car, before Downton concluded the event with a closing speech. "Every year, it gets harder and harder to stay at the sharp end of this incredible field. Last year, we didn't think we'd manage it with Mathershaw Porsche being so quick out of the blocks and FIRST right there too, and the time and development we put into last years car absolutely pushed us back a little on designing this. However we firmly believe this car is going to once again allow us to challenge right at the front, and while we are expecting exceptionally strong challenges from the likes of Mathershaw Porsche, and Franklin too as they will surely return to their winning ways, we're absolutely aiming for a fourth World Championship."
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