Formula One: Bahrain is in the air!

Formula One (F1) is in full blown test mode now and most of the expected teams on the grid have revealed their cars and have started pre race shakedowns at the test sessions in Spain. The 2010 F1 cars are visually different from last season’s cars and I hope the subtle differences will result in closer racing and much more on track overtaking. Dream on, is what I can hear some people saying, but, I am simply hoping (dreaming) for the best.

Seven times, previously retired, World Champion Michael Schumacher, is not at the top of the leader board as it relates to lap times thus far. But quite frankly, I wouldn’t be concerned about that minute fact. According to Schumacher, the focus is not necessarily on posting the quickest time. The emphasis at this stage of the team’s development (Mercedes GP) is ensuring that the car is reliable and as such, speed is not the most important element of the game plan, just yet.

Ferrari

Ferrari’s drivers may beg to differ and on track their rivalry has already began (at least on the timesheets).  Alonso, I think, based on his track record will not play second fiddle to Massa and I expect the ding dong battle between the two to add a bit of spice, maybe too much, to activities on the track once the lights go out (signaling the start of the race). 

Alonso’s performance to date in the Ferrari, should be comforting to the brain trust at the prancing horse. They will want to forget last year’s lackluster performance in a hurry. Enzo Ferrari’s memory demands success and the Tifosi will not sit silently in the grandstands and watch his legacy destroyed with another season of disappointing finishes.  Alonso’s lap times should be inspiring and if it is a glimpse of things to come Ferrari may be in the runnings for top honors.

Sebastian Vettel

Testing at Jerez indicates that Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel has lost none of the speed which brought him success at several rounds last season. Despite inclement weather conditions which dampened the sessions, Jenson Button closed out the test at Jerez by making his presence known. He wrapped up the four day test session with the quickest lap time. The ‘big guns’ are living up to expectations and this only adds to the intrigue leading up to the season opener in Bahrain (12-14th of March). 

The final, four day test session, will begin on the 25th at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya. As testing progresses I am counting the days to Bahrain. Any predictions for the first race?

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer