Fernandes wants points this time

Team boss hopes new car will propel them into the midfield pack

Caterham team principal Tony Fernandes has said that scoring World Championship points must be their goal in 2012.

The team are about to embark upon their third season in F1 but despite pulling clear of fellow newcomers Marussia and HRT they have yet to earn themselves a top-10 finish.

That was the goal they set themselves this time last year but Fernandes is hoping their new CT01 chassis, which received its official launch on Thursday, will finally provide the breakthrough.

As was the case last year, Caterham's latest chassis is Renault-powered and has a drive train supplied by World Champions Red Bull Racing.

However, Red Bull are also equipping Caterham with KERS for the first time and Fernandes hopes that the power boost, together with the expertise a growing team affords, will establish them in the midfield.

"Target wise, I have been quoted as saying I want us to score a point this year and that really has to be the aim. It has to be," he said.

"Towards the end of last year we were so close to the midfield cars, but our lack of KERS limited our capabilities.

"This year, however, with the people and facilities we have in the factory and the wind tunnel, and with KERS, I am confident that we will become a danger to many of the midfield teams, and yes, I want us to achieve a point somewhere in 2012 - maybe two if we are very lucky!"

As for the new CT01, the businessman has defend its look, insisting that to him the car is beautiful.Beautiful car

Most comment has centred on the 'platypus' nose of the car, which is in response to new regulations which have lowered the nose to a maximum height of 55cm.

"Personally I love this car, and it's very flattering that people want to talk about our car and our team, but the main consideration is that it is quick," Fernandes added.

"As long as it is quicker than last year's car I don't think the looks matter, and I am sure that when all the other cars are unveiled we will see a pretty common thread running through all of them.

"I actually think it's beautiful. It's different, and different does not equal ugly - in fact I think its difference is what makes it beautiful, but then I am probably a bit biased."