Written by: Adam Poole on Monday 08th March 2010, 21:59
Adam's predictions for the 2010 season
So, before a wheel has spun in Bahrain, I'm about to make my predictions for the upcoming season. There are several categories I am going to cover, some official, most un-official.
I am basing these predictions on nothing more than testing, common sense and mostly, hope. I could, and probably will be, totally incorrect, but if I am, then at least the season will have thrown up some shock results, so here we go.
World Drivers Champion
In all honesty, and without bias I would have to say I expect Lewis Hamilton to take this honour.
It is very difficult to obtain back-to-back championships, and now that Lewis has had a taste of winning a championship I can see him pushing harder than ever to get the number "1" back on his car - providing of course, McLaren can give him the equipment he needs to succeed.
Lewis has, since day one, always been a contender for the title and having the current world champion along side him, he has something to prove - he wants to be McLaren's number one driver, and this, I feel, is something that will spur him on to great things this season.
World Constructors Champion
This one is a toughy. So many contenders; McLaren, Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull but to name a couple.
I would have to say that, based on pure hope more than anything, McLaren will pinch it - but not by much. It's just the simple fact that the last two world champions are both driving for them that makes me think that the boys from Woking can do it this season, and after a poor showing last year, they have something to prove.
Mercedes, I feel, will be a close second and the third spot is a toss-up between RBR and the prancing horses.
Best Newcomer (Driver)
I'm going to say Kobayashi. Although this kid got some races last season, he has to be classed as a rookie.
The Japanese driver showed promise at the end of last season, even holding-off Jenson Button in Brazil for a short while before the pure pace of the Brawn, and some clever driving from Jense, put him on the back-foot.
Best Newcomer (Constructor)
USF1! OK, so maybe not! Seriously, I think Lotus have what it takes to make their mark this year. The reliability of the Lotus is un-matched between the newbies and I think this will pay off for the team season-long.
Virgin, although quicker, will face reliability issues which will hurt them in the points.
Scumachers first race win
I'll give him four races to get used to competitive motorsport again. I wouldn't be suprised if he manages sooner but would be quite disappointed if it takes him longer.
Schumi has always been quick in China, and this could allow him to get himself on the top step for the first time in 2010.
Shock driver
A driver that I feel will put in some shock results - good or bad?! I'll put my money on Mark Webber. The Aussie is due a strong season and I wouldn't be suprised if he pushes Seb more this year - he seemed to enjoy the taste of winning last year and hopefully he'll get that sweet taste again.
How long until Lewis and Jense fall out
I don't think they will. Both drivers know what it feels like to be the team's number one driver and both know what it takes to get there.
I think the duo will work well together and although they will be competing on-track, I believe that the friendly atmosphere that is hanging around pre-season will linger for the entirety of the season. Call it "wishfull thinking" if you will.
Massa and Alonso - when will they come to blows?
As soon as Felipe "baby" has a couple of wins under his belt and Fernando feels he is being treated differently by the guys in the garage I feel Alonso will have something to say.
Alonso has a strong character and I feel this may rear it's ugly head if Massa is donned with the team's number one spot.
Quickest Pit-Stop
I think as the season goes on, and teams develop quicker ways to change Bridgestones, pit-stops will get quicker and quicker.
I believe that by the end of the season we could, indeed, see sub-two second pit stops become the norm.
Quickest team? After watching them in practice, I obviously have to give this one to Red Bull.
Liability of the season
Chandhok. Without doubt. I totally agree with Felipe Massa when he said that drivers with as little experience of top-flight motorsport as Chandhok has can, and will, become dangerous.
Although Mr. Ecclestone has asked people to "give him a chance," those of you who know my writing from Bleacher Report will know that I disagree with almost everything the white-haired midget has to say. In fact, can I change my liability prediction to Bernie or not?!
Will Lewis want his dad back as his manager
Erm... no! I seriously believe that the son / father relationship is a far better one than they will have had as employee / employer.
Although Anthony has worked wonders with Lewis I think that their management relationship has run it's course and Lewis now needs to get to grips with racing, and winning, for himself.
First row of the season
This will either be about McLaren's fantastic-looking rear wing, or Ross Brawn's ingenious take on diffuser regulations. The instigator? Anyone who doesn't have one of the above. Let it roll I say - makes fantastic TV.
How many stupid remarks will Legard make in each weekend (average)?
Is it just me that still can't stand the charmless Legard? Some of the things he says make me cringe and as a result I would put money on him saying something stupid or inappropriate at least four of five times in a race weekend!
BBC presenter/analyst of the year
Jake Humphrey of course. Although it's fantastic to have the drivers-view of things through DC and EJ always has something interesting to say, I have always felt that the team is held together by Jake.
Martin Brundle can't really be classed in this as he is in a league of his own in my opinion.
Biggest points gap between team-mates
Kubica will leave Petrov in the dark. Simple as that.
Finally, team-mate wars
Lewis V. Jenson: Lewis
Felipe V. Fernando: Felipe
Mark V. Seb: Seb, but I would love for Mark to prove me wrong
Michael V. Nico: Michael. Imagine the upset it Nico beat Michael
So, there you have them. My conclusive predictions for the season. I do, of course, have to thank Planet-F1 for some of the categories - they do come up with some corkers.
Would be great to get your take on my predictions - let me know where you think I am wrong - drop me a comment.
Out!
I agree with you on the Hamilton to be champ, but I reckon Red Bull will take the constructors.