In preparation for the 2012 F1 season, which kicks off on March 16 in Melbourne, Australia, Red Bull Racing has revealed its latest effort, the RB8.

Following up on last year’s hugely successful RB7, which racked up 12 wins, 27 podiums and 18 pole positions, the RB8 has some big shoes to fill.

Like the other F1 chassis revealed so far, the RB8 uses a similar high nose, low-front wing design.

Red Bull has avoided giving detailed specifications on the differences between last year’s car and the RB8, but suffice it to say the new chassis benefits from further aerodynamic refinements and complies with all 2012 FIA regulations.

Renault will back as the team’s engine supplier for the 2012 season, and both Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber as drivers. New to the team is test driver Sebastian Buemi, who comes over from his previous stint as a driver for the Toro Rosso team.

Key sponsors returning for the 2012 season include Infiniti, Total Petroleum, Casio, Pepe Jeans and Alpinestars.

And, as the dominant team in the sport, Red Bull Racing also has no trouble attracting new sponsors, so look for logos from Rauch (an Australian juice and tea producer), Singha (the number one beer in Thailand) and Joraku (a premium rice “shochu,” or distilled spirit).