Written by: Chris Chatting on Monday 08th March 2010, 23:27
Pre-season Wrap Up and Bahrain Predictions
After what has been an oddly short but surprisingly interesting off-season, the F1 circus rolls into Bahrain for the season opener. Questions are aplenty – can Schumacher cement himself as the greatest ever? Will Vettel claim his first title? Can Jenson Button defend his 2009 championship?
To have 4 teams apparently up front at the start of the season is a rare treat. Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull have all squabbled for the rights to be the pre-season leader, all desperate to offer the accolade to one another. Perhaps a sign that the race to be number one in 2010 is truly too close to call, and no driver or team is confident enough to rubber stamp themselves as champion-elect.
Breaking down the top 4 challengers, McLaren might have the early lead by a shark-fin. Hamilton set the fastest lap in the final test during the phase that appeared to be a Q2 mock-run. Don’t let the order deceive however, the top 4, plus Williams and Force India were all within half a second. Still, the early advantage lies with McLaren.
The ‘old’ advantage lies with Red Bull. They finished as the fastest car in 2009 and have come out with a relatively unchanged aero package. Differences have been made under the surface, but unlike its 3 main challengers, is an evolution rather than a revolution. With the Renault engine probably the most fuel generous, the Red Bull car will be dangerous wherever they qualify.
Ferrari have looked sharp all offseason, and have jumped, perhaps prematurely, to the position of early season favourites. Alonso’s got to grips with the F10 much quicker than anticipated and will no doubt continue to improve as the season wears on. Massa’s shown signs of getting up to speed and he too is yet to find the final 2% of speed in the car just yet.
Mercedes didn’t light up the timing sheets during the offseason, and in many respects disappointed with their lack of outright pace. In Barcelona they were overall the 4th strongest team but unlike the top 3, showed no hints at having championship pace. Fortunately for them, they have a certain 7 time world champion behind the wheel who showed no ill effects of 3 years out crashing various motorcycles, and Mr. Schumacher settled right back into the rhythm of Formula 1. Even if the Schumacher experiment doesn’t work out for Brawn et al, it might just turn Rosberg into the world champion he’s threatened to become.
Further down the grid, the tight midfield battle appears to be headed by Williams, who have got their Cosworth hooked up perfectly. Force India look sharp, Renault slightly disappointing, and Sauber surprising considering the struggles they’ve had to make the grid. Even Toro Rosso raised eyebrows with some surprisingly quick test times. At the back, the three new outfits of Lotus, Virgin and Hispania will be quite relieved just to make the grid in a respectable time.
All in all, the scene is set for a truly memorable season. And it all starts next Sunday.
Prediction – Hamilton, Vettel, Alonso. Wild card – Schumacher.
Liking the look of your predictions. I think Sauber will surprise with a possible disappointment coming from a big team. Not sure which though.