Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton begins his title defense this weekend!

If you listen intently, you might just hear  a feint drum-roll. The almost inaudible sound will increase in intensity when the weekend begins. It (the sound) will acquire deafening properties, when the 2015 F1 machines assemble for the fading red lights which will signal the start of another season of intrigue and more drama than the ‘Junction’ road has corners!

Rosberg

F1 motors are in silent contemplation at present, but not for long. Testing in Barcelona gave teams the final chance to look through a window of opportunity inorder to see if they could advance their chances at grabbing the two titles that are available. What was revealed during testing? A lot. What is frightening, if you are not wearing a Mercedes AMG outfit, is the fact that the Merc has lost none of its cylinders! On the contrary, it appears as if it has magically gained a few. One commentator made reference to the “brutal pace” of the German machine. Bearing in mind that the Merc ran laps around everyone who raised a head and offered competition, testing results are nothing short of  downright scary! In 2014, Hamilton and Rosberg were hauled to mediation to settle apocalyptic disputes. Do not expect their reach for the jugular to recede any time soon!

Former Red Bull poster-boy, Vettel, is still adjusting to life among the tifosi. Ferrari raised a few eyebrows during testing when it appeared as if the machine was on-target to make a bid for P1. I am certain Ferrari’s top brass would welcome a podium finish – but – is that an unrealistic prospect? Williams, one of the pleasant surprises in 2014, has lost no ground and apparently will play the sneak-attack role – again. Never overlook Williams!

Ricciardo

Red Bull, just a few moons ago, was the ‘big team’, but, time has an uncanny way of changing. Red Bull, for debatable reasons (read Renault motors), was caught napping in 2014 and the team paid a heavy price. There were inspirational moments, however, marked by scintillating driving from Ricciardo. Ricciardo’s ascension wrote Vettel’s demise. And with each broadening smile on the podium, he crafted Vettel’s exit from the energy drink! Ricciardo made his mark in 2014 and his fans will be expecting more in 2015. Will the Red Bull machine allow him to shine? Will his new teammate Daniil Kvyat upstage him?

Alonso, unfortunately, will watch the season-opener but he will be back, hopefully by Round 2. In Australia, this weekend, a lot is at stake and everyone wants to stamp their mark of authority or superiority as early as lap 1. The future will remain uncertain but this isn’t – Lewis Hamilton begins his title defense this weekend!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer