Formula 1: Tun up di boost! (Australian GP)

If you were one of those persons clamouring for change in F1 you should still be revelling in the glow of your accomplishments! A tsunami swept through F1′s foundation and eroded the cornerstones. What we have become accustomed to in recent times, is now a distant, rapidly fading memory. The earthquake-induced tsunami has the potential of reorganizing the heavy-hitters in what we have accepted as the pinnacle of motorsports.

Vettel

Red Bull Racing and its sharpshooter, Sebastian Vettel, ran away with all the silverware in 2013 – a feat which they have made the norm. The Red Bull dynasty was taking enviable shape and possibly, the architects of F1′s magnificent superstructure were not pleased with Red Bull’s apparently, unstoppable army. A change was required.

For the 2014 season, a raft of changes will take effect. What are the major changes for 2014? The machines will have to complete races using less fuel than last year (100 litres) – the nose height of the machines has changed – a double points system has been introduced for the final race (which will definitely affect the chase for the championship) and the undisputed king of the rule changes – the V8 motors have found new homes at the landfill, replaced by turbo-charged V6 1.6L mini-monsters!

These changes are almost revolutionary and their implications are still being debated. What needs no debate, however, is what we have seen thus far in pre-season testing. Red Bull Racing is still at the gate while the other horses are busy being fed from the whip and galloping at force-fed speeds!

Adrian Newey

Reports confirm that Red Bull’s machine is still the showpiece on the grid – it is an aerodynamic work of art – and we would expect nothing less from the best in the business – Adrian Newey. What we did not expect, however, is the stuttering, anemic, unsure stance, being displayed by Renault-built motors. Mercedes motors, while Renault searches for answers, are healthy, powerful and they are packing a Mike Tyson mega-torque punch! Ferrari is not off-pace and with 2 World Champions grabbing the mane of the prancing horse, limitless pleasure awaits the Tifosi.

Pre-season testing usually offers a glimpse of reality into an otherwise obscure crystal ball and in the presence of abundant uncertainty and myriad questions, championship hopefuls will be forgiven if they have formed the view that their time to be sprayed with champagne is approaching.

Red Bull is obviously stricken by an imported virus and we would be foolish to assign and confirm defeat because the machines have not yet positioned themselves for the first in-competition run to corner 1. Thankfully, time is not familiar with waiting and the season commences this weekend

Australia will play host to motorsports’ largest and most exclusive party. The 5.303 km of the Albert Park circuit will be the boxing ring and at the end of 58, hopefully, bruising and competitive laps we will be able to form more informed opinions. Who will draw first blood?

We will have the first round of the answer on Sunday. I wish F1 had the NASCAR tradition and I got the opportunity to say the most famous words in motor racing. I would pause, then say -   Drivers start your engines – and then I would shriek – Tun up di boost!

At a circuit which Michael Schumacher is still the owner of the lap record, the 2014 F1 season will officially begin. The 2014 Formula 1 Rolex Grand Prix of Australia is this Sunday!

Will Lewis Hamilton maintain his pre-season performance and win the race?

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer