"It's a great thrill for me to be driving a Formula One car even though it's not on a proper racing circuit," said the 18 year old. "It has been a dream of mine to drive an F1 car and I can't thank BMW enough for giving me this opportunity.

Rahal's formula racing career began in 2004 with Formula BMW USA. He led the Toyota Atlantic series in wins and poles in 2006 before graduating to the Champ Car World Series in 2007 - and putting in a convincing performance from the start. In only his third race, he finished second to become the youngest driver ever to claim a podium place in this series. He finished fifth in the series, becoming the youngest driver ever to finish in the top-five in the Champ Car championship standings. The BMW Sauber F1 Team Pit Lane Park driver line-up will be completed by Daniel Morad (CA). The 2007 Formula BMW USA champion will drive the Formula BMW car.

Early in the new year, the BMW Sauber F1 Team's Pit Lane Park will be one of the highlights of the support program for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held in Las Vegas. One of the companies represented will be Intel, the Presenting Sponsor of the Pit Lane Park and for many years a key presence at this trade fair for home entertainment products. On each of the four days, the high-tech event park will be laying on a Formula 1 experience of a very special kind for CES visitors. The gates will open to the public on the Wednesday and Thursday.

Pit Lane Park opening times for CES visitors:
Monday, 7th January        - 10.00 to 19.00 hrs
Tuesday, 8th January      - 09.00 to 19.00 hrs
Wednesday, 9th January      - 09.00 to 19.00 hrs
Thursday, 10th January    - 09.00 to 19.00 hrs

Pit Lane Park opening times for the public:
Wednesday, 9th January    - 14.00 to 19.00 hrs
Thursday, 10th January    - 09.00 to 19.00 hrs