Formula One: Testing begins in February

Seasoned Formula 1 fans must have a brightly colored circle around the month of March on their calendar. Why? The 2010 Formula One season begins in March (12th to 14th) with the Grand Prix in Bahrain! I can hear the high pitched engine notes now.

Pre- season activities are now in high gear and race cars are being unveiled left, right and center. The ‘big guns,’ Mercedes GP (formerly Brawn GP), Ferrari, McLaren, BMW Sauber, and Renault will all reveal their cars before testing begins on February 1 (2010).

Red Bull

Red Bull seems to be a bit shy and as such will reveal what must be another ferocious Renault powered bull, when the next official test begins on the 10th of February at Jerez, in Spain. If technical chief Adrian Newey is up to his usual thorough and effective tricks, the raging Red Bull may send the other teams scurrying in fear, when its speed and performance becomes public knowledge during testing.

The official unveiling of the cars, signals to many that the wait will be brief and the exciting moments, the intriguing battles, the durability and reliability tests of man, machine and technology are all within reasonable reach. As the drivers continue their mental and physical preparation for the arduous tasks ahead we wait patiently to see whose work during the off season will bear fruit.

Testing in February will give us a sneak peak into the performance capabilities of both the usual suspects and the four new teams. The major players, Mercedes, Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari all have impressive drivers in their lineup. Will the cars match the firepower these drivers bring?

Fortunately February is only a few days away. What will these tests reveal? Is Schumacher ready? Incidentally, did you realise that the prancing horse- Ferrari won only one race last season. That is a crying shame. Enzo Ferrari would be livid! Will Ferrari do better this year? January 28th, 29th, …………

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer