The pre-season for all Formula 1 teams ended with this weekend’s testing in Barcelona. So, who looks to be the favourite this year and how ready all teams really are?
Without a doubt, the team to beat in Bahrain will be Ferrari. Just like Brawn GP last season, Ferrari stated work on their new car very early, when their competitors were still working on improving performance on their 2009 cars. Both drivers, Massa and Alonso, seem comfortable enough, but of course most fans of Ferrari will have their eyes on Fernando. As far as testing and optimizing, Ferrari are further than anyone else on the grid. They have shown they have a good car and now its up to the others to beat them.
One of the biggest news in Formula 1 this season, is the return of Michael Schumacher and no doubt he will attract more attention in Bahrain than any other driver. He may have not been the fastest in testing, but he looks as focused and hungry for success as ever. The question is “Has he got the car to be Number 1 again?”. So far, Mercedes have done a great job, but they aren’t quote ready yet. Having to test new wings and diffuser during the first racing weekend of the season, is not very reassuring. Nico Rosberg has no choice, but to be in Schumacher’s shadow as far as the media and fans are concerned, but that will not stop him from trying to be the faster driver in Mercedes.
McLaren improved probably more than any other team, during the last days of testing. The pressure on Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, the last two Formula 1 champions, will be absolutely immense. The team seemed to spend a lot of time finding the right tyres settings, which is very important since the strategies for the new season will have fewer pit stops. Overall, McLaren are probably as closer to Ferrari, in their preparation, and can only improve.
Red Bull were the surprise package last year. More teams fighting for points and getting on the podium, is a great news for all Formula 1 fans. Many are even tipping Red Bull to win it this year, considering they have a good car with a fuel efficient engine, which will be another key factor this season.
The rest of the field doesn’t look too promising. The US team will probably never show and the new boys, Virgin and Lotus are really struggling with their cars end are unlikely to make an impact.
Adrian Sutil seems happy with his Force India car, but lack of testing didn’t allow him to show his true potential.
Newcomer Nico Hulkenberg will be in good company at Williams. Veteran F1 driver Rubens Barrichello will surely give him useful advice and he can also count on promising Cosworth engine.
Sauber, Renault and Toro Rosso complete the field, but their performance in pre-season testing hasn’t indicated that any of them is capable of miracles in 2010.
The usual suspects will be battling for the championship this season and what an exciting season it is going to be!
Anyone else counting the hours until March 14th?