The Need of Dusk

Williams driver Nico Rosberg believes twilight races are not the way to go, as it’s dangerous.

And to be fair you can’t blame him. His sidekick Nakajima slightly blamed lowered sunlight for losing control of his car when coming round a bend. Somehow, I don’t think it’s the sunlight mate! Perhaps Nakajima could borrow one of Jenson Button’s many sunglasses.

Rosberg wasn’t acting as a sore loser (Cough, cough, Alonso, cough) or anything, but he generally believes that mid-afternoon starts is not what racing is about.

These drivers control the fastest legal (Depending your view on rear diffusers) cars on the planet and why should a lowering sun be judge on the outcome of the race. The sport should test ability not who has the best visors.

European viewers are essential for the business but it would be better to have racing at his peak without any extra distractions.

Waking up at 3am was a good omen and a ritual too many F1 fanatics as it kicks off the season perfectly. Stirring that extra strong cup of coffee and sporting your finest pair of pants in your couch, engulfed in front of the television for 3 hours before heading back to bed was special.

This year I did miss it. With Sky+ becoming more and more popular surely, it would have not been as problematic as the heads suggested, well suppose not everyone has that luxury.

This upcoming weekend race in Malaysia is at a similar local time as Australia for European viewings to be maximised and Rosberg expects more problems.

The weather this weekend suggests a heavy down pour to make the race that little more interesting in Kuala Lumpur. Well organisers should have thought about how its monsoon season in Malaysia, the whole race may have to be stopped altogether if it gets bad. It would end up being more of a speedboat race.

On the other hand, one very good thing in keeping twilight races is that when the race finishes it will be dark and you will see less of Rubens Barrichello after he removes his helmet. He does look a bit like Frankenstein doesn’t he?

Awards Night: Australia

This week's awards are the first in the history of this blog, but we're sure given three to four weeks that they will be more coveted by members of the paddock than championship points.

Enough of this chit chat and on with the ceremony. Awards time!

Drive of the week

Jenson Button - Lights to flag in first place and entirely unflappable across all 58 laps. This voctory marked the 200th race win for British drivers and more importantly announced that Button is a title rival.

A weekend to forget for...

Ferrari - Whilst challenging the mid to low points scorers they never had the pace of the front runners. Raikkonen showed he still has not rediscovered his title winning form and an unusual reliability failure saw an end to Massa's race. Zero points and hope for Malaysia.

A weekend to remember for...

Ross Brawn - All his Ferrari wins have been overshadowed by a debut one-two for the team that races under his own name. Turned around a team that was falling and has put them clear at the top.

The voters choice award.

This award will be chosen by you! This is a special mention award for those who deserve a little extra credit for their weekend's work.

Just look to the right of the screen to vote for your pick of this weeks nominations.

Lewis Hamilton - World champion took his uncompetitive car from 18th on the grid to a podium finish.

Sebastien Buemi - Debutant took his Toro Rosso to 7th place and picked up two world championship points. Was brave enough to have a look at Massa, could be one for the future.

Tim Glock - German put in an impressive performance after starting last and from the pit lane to claim third, two notable overtaking manoeuvres around the outside of turn four, this guy could be a contender.

Place your votes and we will announce the winner after the Malaysian GP.

What We Know Now: GP1 - Australia.

This is the first series to be launched on The Formula, and will be posted on the following Monday after every race weekend. It will provide a look back at the weekend's action and discuss what we, the teams and the drivers have learnt.

BEWARE THE UNKNOWN

Brawn GP notched a stunning one-two finish in their debut race as British driver Jenson Button calmly took his car from lights to flag without losing his lead.

The new regulations on aerodynamics and speed also seemed to have a good influence with regular overtaking and close battles throughout the field. But the longer front wings seemed to cause a few incidents and until drivers get used to that space being filled we could see a couple more flat tyres.

NEVER RULE OUT A CHAMPION

Mclaren's Lewis Hamilton started eighteenth on the grid and despite having a car as competitive as a horse and cart he managed to grab a third place on the podium. A result that could be crucial come the end of the season by which time he will be hoping to be somewhat more competitive.

Meanwhile Fernando Alonso finished in fifth place after starting tenth in Melbourne. A tailored drive saw Alonso bring his car home in the points in an unusually understated fashion whilst teammate Nelson Piquet Jr. started his season with a retirement.

The only other champion in the field, Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen, retired after 55 laps after a spin, in which he had miraculously avoided the wall, left his car unable to continue.

THE KIDS CAN STILL GET CARRIED AWAY

Beautifully illustrated by Red Bull's Sebastien Vettel and Robert Kubica of BMW. The pair were pretty much guaranteed a share of second of third place and if they had worked together could probably have caught Button before the end of the race.

However a slip of in Vettel's concentration saw him lose speed through turn one and Kubica's good run out of the second turn saw a wheel to wheel battle in the tight right-hander of turn three. Kubica didn't give Vettel room on the inside and the German refused to back off causing a collision. Whilst both drivers survived the initial contact they would only make it around one more corner as they independently crashed into almost the exact same spot.

YOU CAN BEND THE RULES, BUT YOU CAN'T BREAK THEM

As the FIA has so helpfully cleared up it's OK to race with a disputed rear diffuser but if you have a rear wing that isn't up to spec you must start from the pit lane. There's a line between the two somewhere but i can't quite see it..

Sensational Button!

Jenson, you’ve done it! You beauty!
He won the first Grand Prix of 2009. Well we did expect him to, didn’t we?

My neighbours would have not been happy as joyful high-pitched screeches as early as 730 would have probably woken them up. But it doesn’t matter, Button you were definitely worth it.

The Brit is back and loving it, many thought, including me that he went off the boil when decided to devour many glamorous women, and had a poor habit of showcasing big ridiculous sunglasses in public.

Although the glasses are still there, and probably the women too, he looked a man obsessed, loving what he is doing. So much enthusiasm was evident as he took all the glory in what must be Ross Brawn’s proudest victory. Just over three weeks ago, this team never existed but what a breath of fresh air they are.

Button always threatened to throw a match on previous Honda cars but he is in a car now that he should be proud off, it suits his driving style to a tee and it definitely showed.

Button was not the only successful Brit as POMs ruled once again in Melbourne. Lewis Hamilton’s win last year was followed by a lucky shunt up to third at Jarno Trulli’s expense. But this podium symbolised so much more for the World Champion.

It had the essence of a true Champion drive, already knowing that he didn’t have the sheer pace to keep up, Hamilton solely relied on textbook methods to keep himself competitive. He attacked when the time was right and defended properly when he needed too.

It is the massive indication yet that he has matured with his racing. Lewis was even gracious and very much surprised that he took as many points and well done to him.

McLaren needs to improve and quick. Perhaps a rear diffuser could come in useful.

Nevertheless, this day belonged to Button and to his second win in F1. And on this form, he will add to that. The vastly experienced Rubens Barrichello came in second to give Brawn GP a 1-2 finish on their debut, the first time that has happened since 1954.

I was a little disappointed to see a German and Pole in conflict once again. But instead of drawing arms, they decided to batter each other’s car instead.

Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel showed great form and looked set on a decent finish but he paid the price when he gave BMW’s Robert Kubica time to catch up. They locked wheels and both retired a lap later after colliding. They are still two very young drivers that still have a lot to learn, they have massive careers in front of them.

To top the day off, Ferrari failed to do anything. Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen retired early on to make it an all round perfect weekend for the British viewer.

Roll on Malaysia!

Brawn Again

Jenson has done it, the widely acclaimed favourite to win here in Australia has taken pole with team mate Barrichello completing the front row.

Brawn GP were simply sensational on their debut, backing up their initial practice and qualifying promise to take a surprise lead in F1.

Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel and BMW Sauber’s Robert Kubica will make up the second role.

World Champion Lewis was left in the dust with a 15th position out of 20 as McLaren continued their dismal form. Lack of drive in the gearbox was blamed for a lack of speed. It looks very likely that he won’t win here tomorrow like he did in his Championship winning season.

Brawn GP pole position is a first for a brand new team since Scotland’s Jackie Stewart for Tyrrell at the Canadian GP in 1970.

And now the team has the backing of Sir Richard Branson’s money to fulfil their promise throughout the season. The team will soon be named Virgin BGP 001.

The top end of the field was two tenths of a second and shows early indication how close the race could be.

Let us hope for a thriller.

Nico Fastest!

What a baffling day in the first practice of the season.

Nico Rosberg was the fastest in both sessions in Australia for Williams, and who would have thought it?

This was certainly an interesting and intriguing day, Toyota, Brawn GP and Williams, who all initially fought off Thursday’s protest about diffusers, were extremely impressive and quick.

The fastest drivers of the day were unfamiliar - Rosberg, Barrichello, Trulli, Webber, Button, Glock, Nakajima, Vettel, Sutil (How was that possible?) and last year’s runner up Massa all make up the top ten.

Not a McLaren nor a World Champion insight. Hamilton, Raikkonen and Alonso were nowhere to be seen.

These protests against rear diffusers will hopefully run out of steam, the complaints were ignored that the cars using them were not up F1 regulations, although an appeal hearing is due shortly to ban them.

And those cars that can boost the diffusers, at the moment, were the fastest around Melbourne’s Albert Park street circuit, no doubt, Ferrari will kick a fuss and the diffusers will probably be branded illegal soon enough.

So it still begs the question whether these surprising front-runners are actually legit. I do hope they are.

Brawn GP showed why they could be consider as favourites clocking notable times, three weeks ago the team never existed. Perhaps Jenson may appear from Hamilton’s rather large shadow to lead the way for the Brits and fulfil his potential that has been left wanting recently.

Hamilton looked completely astounded, he has even said the dreaded ‘still come good’ line. McLaren will need to find a fix and fast just to keep up. They were completely off the boil.

Qualifying will definitely be interesting.

When the lights go out...

PRE-SEASON REVIEW

The Australian Grand Prix is almost here and with it comes the brand new season of Formula One, but after such a busy pre-season will the on track action turn as many heads as the off track has?

The first piece of news that changed the face of the pit lane was the announcement that Honda would be pulling out of the sport, citing the global financial crisis as the main reason, and so began a five month long search for a buyer.

After flirting with David Richards, who was team principal in the teams former life as BAR Honda, and rumours of Richard Branson adding yet another string to the bow of his Virgin brand, it was eventually Team Principal Ross Brawn who led a management buy-out to create Brawn GP.

After just a couple of weeks of preparation Brawn GP stunned the paddock as they churned out the fastest times in testing at Jerez. Another shock was posted at the final test session of the season as Williams driver Kazuki Nakajima set the fastest time of all pre-season.

Reigning champion Lewis Hamilton and his Mclaren team openly admitted to a lack of pace and revealed they would be uncompetitive for the beginning of the season, however after a few aerodynamic tweaks they returned more competitive in the following testing sessions but still off the pace.

The most controversial moment of the season was, without doubt, the introduction of the new scoring system. The decision was taken by the FIA to name the driver with the most race wins the 2009 Champion, despite the fact the last 60 years of F1 racing have been decided by points.

Drivers, teams and fans nigh on unanimously spoke out against this rule change, and after rumours of the change being made so near to the start of the season may be illegal, the FIA soon postponed their plans until 2010.

Rule changes that have stayed until the first race include the reintroduction of slick tyres after 10 years out of the sport and aerodynamic changes that have led to longer front wings and higher, narrower rear wings, giving the cars an unusual look.

What will happen next season is likely to change many times, but after the introduction of optional budget cuts and mandatory rule changes in the design of cars this season looks to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable yet.

THE TEAMS AND DRIVERS

Now take a look at our short preview of each team and driver and see if you agree or disagree with our predictions for the end of the season.

McLAREN

Lewis Hamilton – Defending World Champion, looking to be the first Brit to win back-to-back titles.
Dave's prediction: 3rd
Steve's prediction: 2nd

Heikki Kovalainen – The Finn needs an impressive season after playing second-fiddle to Lewis last term, needs to back up his first win at Hungary to keep his seat.
Dave's prediction: 9th
Steve's prediction: 8th

FERRARI

Kimi Raikkonen – Failed to add to his Championship win in 2007, and looking to put right the mistakes of last season which restricted him to just two wins at Malaysia and Spain.

Dave's prediction: 2nd
Steve's prediction: 4th

Felipe Massa – Looking to avenge last season's second place disappointment with a first Championship win, Ferrari’s new Number One.
Dave's prediction: 1st
Steve's prediction: 1st

BMW Sauber

Robert Kubica – the Pole took F1 by storm and his first win at Canada proved that. Will be looking to better his fourth position in the driver standings.
Dave's prediction: 4th
Steve's prediction: 5th

Nick Heidfeld – a second placed finish at the British Grand Prix was a high point of a good season as he finished 6th in overall standings.
Dave's prediction: 8th
Steve's prediction: 10th

Renault

Fernando Alonso – the ex-World Champion had a good finish last year with successive wins in Singapore and Japan and has raised hopes for a promising season.
Dave's prediction: 6th
Steve's prediction: 3rd

Nelson Piquet Jr – has the famous name but not the reputation yet, he unexpectedly made the podium in Hockenheim to show his credentials.
Dave's prediction: 15th
Steve's prediction: 13th

Toyota

Jarno Trulli – A veteran on the circuit, but just one win at Monaco 2004, will be trying to continue the good progress Toyota have achieved recently.
Dave's prediction: 12th
Steve's prediction: 12th

Timo Glock – A British fans favourite after his failing car at Brazil allowed Lewis to win the 2008 Championship, and after impressive testing times will be looking to move up the standing’s table.
Dave's prediction: 10th
Steve's prediction: 15th

Toro Rosso

Sebastien Boundais – Second season in F1 after having successful years competing at Le Mans and the US. New rule changes may benefit the Frenchman.
Dave's prediction: 17th
Steve's prediction: 9th

Sebastien Buemi – The only new driver this season and at that an exciting prospect who competed with distinction in GP2 last term.
Dave's prediction: 19th
Steve's prediction: 18th

Red Bull

Mark Webber – at 32, his first win still eludes him, but the Australian will be looking for that breakthrough this season.
Dave's prediction: 16th
Steve's prediction: 11th

Sebastian Vettel – the massive surprise package as his win in Italy embarrassed Red Bull by winning in its sister team Toro Rosso. Poised to be the next Schumacher.
Dave's prediction: 5th
Steve's prediction: 6th

Williams

Nico Rosberg – His second spot at Singapore was surprising to say the least and he will look to improve this season, especially if Toyota pulls a technological rabbit out their hat.
Dave's prediction: 13th
Steve's prediction: 16th

Kazuki Nakajima – known to be the best F1 driver that Japan has ever seen, and has the potential to add to last terms modest total of nine points.
Dave's prediction: 14th
Steve's prediction: 17th

Force India

Adrian Sutli – Was running brilliantly in Monaco until Raikkonen smashed into the back of him.
Dave's prediction: 20th
Steve's prediction: 20th

Giancarlo Fisichella – Pitched above his weight with Renault and now driving in a below average
Force India Car.
Dave's prediction:18th
Steve's prediction:19th

Brawn GP

Jenson Button – British front runner that promised so much, his win at Hungary has been the only high point so far. Pre-season form promises much.
Dave's prediction: 7th
Steve's prediction: 7th

Rubens Barrichello – this man does not know how to stop, another season for the Brazilian. Chosen for his experience, at the expense of Aryton Senna’s nephew Bruno, to drive the new car.
Dave's prediction: 11th
Steve's prediction: 14th

Welcome!

Welcome to The Formula, a brand new blog dedicated to the adrenalin-pumping sport of Formula One.

A modest team of two writers, David Kifford and Steven Woodgate, endeavour to bring you the most thought provoking, interesting and banter-worthy articles around.

Check back soon because when the lights go out, the race is on!

DK