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
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