It's official, the BBC Formula One website has brought back the countdown clock, which can only mean one thing.... The Formula One season is almost upon us, and what a season it's going to be.
It only feels like yesterday that we saw Redbull's Sebastian Vettel dominate the Abu Dhabi grand prix, despite losing the constructors and drivers championship to our very own Jenson Button.
Jenson, Jenson, Jenson, there's probably been enough already said about him without me delving too much into the depth of what he's accomplished, what I will add is this; I feel sorry for him. His move to Mclaren has caused critics to jump on the Button bashing bandwagon, poo-pooing his chances of beating new team mate Lewis Hamilton. While I agree with this in the short term, give it a few races, and Jenson will be challenging his team-mate, I guarantee it.
While the Button vs Hamilton debate goes on, the biggest fish in the sea, Fernando Alonso, is sitting back twiddling his thumbs. Alonso may have been caught up in a few scandals over the past three years, but now he is looking good, not just good: Sharp, honed, and most of all quick. The red Ferrari has been clocking up devilishly quick winter test times, and with the double world champion on board, they look as though they're in the driving seat come Bahrain.
The biggest news to hit F1 is the return of seven times world champ Michael Schumacher, who is now driving for the newly named Brawn team, Mercedes. Schumacher, who is now 40, looks like he still has his old finesse around the track; his little duel with Hamilton in testing was a mouthwatering glimpse of what's to come. However, questions aren't being asked about his ability, because that would be stupid, he has won the drivers title seven times after all, but whether or not his body will hold up. Being brutally honest, while I do think Schumacher will win races, he doesn't have a hope against the new blood. Your free bus pass is in the post Michael, along with Rubens Barichello's too.
The 2010 grid also houses four, potentially five new teams: Sauber, Lotus, Virgin, Hispania, and maybe Manor (if they get their act together). It is good to see Peter Sauber back involved with F1, and it looks like he has a quick car to boot; I wish I could say the same for the rest. The sheer lack of pace seen with the other new teams is pitiful. Lotus are clocking up times closer to GP2 cars rather than F1, which isn't just worrying, it is bottom line embarrassing. I agree, new teams entering into the sport is a good thing, but they have to look at their long term commitment; this applies to you beardy Branson!
If you're one of the many who are not interested in F1 (I cannot fathom why you aren't), then I'll just say this.... 2010 is going to be a cracker.
No comments:
Post a Comment