One year ago I wrote a blog about constant rule changes in Formula 1 possibly distracting for the fans.
Well coming into the new season and, although there have been some rule changes such as tyres widths, a new points system and no refuelling for the first time since 1993; there has been none of the debacle like the medals system Bernie Ecclestone tried to put through last winter.
The only downside of the pre-season has been the debacle surrounding some of the new entrants for 2010.
USF1 was launched in 2008 with a plan to enter F1 this year with the FIA duly granting them a place last year along with Campos and Manor, now Virgin Racing (with logos that just make me think of Vauxhall). The plan of having the sport's first American based team seemed a good one to help launch F1 into a continent that has never embraced it, certainly not in the way it has with IndyCar.
So they really had enough time to get their act, and indeed a car, together for the first race in Bahrain. As the months have gone on and the progress appeared to slow done to nothing at all, it's hardly surprising to see them without a place on the official entry list for this year.
In fact, I'd be surprised if we ever see USF1 make it.
But anyway, back to those who are on the grid this year.
Last season was memorable for many reasons. Jenson Button taking his first world championship with Brawn (the most successful constructor in F1 history?), Red Bull and Mark Webber finally winning their first races, the rebirth of Rubens Barrichello and mid-season comeback of McLaren.
So I thought I'd give my thoughts team by team going into the new year.
of the 'silver arrows' for the first time since Moss and Fangio in 1955. Although they were a bit off the pace at first they seem to be making progress, and wins will surely be on the cards, especially when the European season starts. Their new driver's not bad either.
Red Bull: The Milton Keynes team's downfall this year could be the same as that of 2009, reliability. Fast but seemingly a bit fragile, if they can sort the reliability issues out they can easily go one better than last year.
McLaren: Two British world champions and unlike last year, a car that's quick straight out of the box. Been at the sharp end of all tests so far and I expect to see them fighting for the title right down to the very end with possibly the most striking car of 2010.
Ferrari: My favourites for 2010 with Alonso my man to win the title. Fast on light and heavy runs the Ferrari is not only pleasing on the eye but pleasing for Massa and the double world champion. It will be interesting to see how Massa does in his first race since Germany but I expect, and hope, him to be back to winning form.
Williams: Often being tipped as possible dark horses to unsettle the front end of the grid, they never seem to quite deliver during the season. With Barrichello though they have a driver who can win races and hopefully move the team forward. Can they win their first race since Montoya in Brazil 2004?
Renault: A very different team to the one Robert Kubica signed for. The 'crashgate' scandal has meant a loss of personnel and sponsors and the car appears to follow the trend of recent Renault F1 cars, not as competitive as hoped. This season could follow a similar trend to last year for the Pole.
Force India: Their best pre-season to date with Adrian Sutil making some poisitive noises about the VJM03's performance. Whether they can kick on from the back end of 2009 remains to be seen but the times are positive for the former Spyker/Midland/Jordan outfit.
Toro Rosso: The first time they've designed a car since Red Bull bought out Minardi in 2005. The car seems reasonably fast and could quite easily finish in the lower points places during the season and both Buemi and Alguersuari will benefit immensly from the valuable commodity that is testing.
Lotus: The return of one of the F1's most famous names. When one thinks of Lotus they tend to think Chapman and Clark, the ground effect Lotus 78 in its distinctive black and gold livery. 2010 won't bring any of those glory days back, but the green and gold is back on the gird and, although currently off the pace, Trulli and Kovalainen will hopefully bring the team on for future years.
Hispania: F1's first Spanish team launched today and will go to Bahrain with no testing and two rookies. It will be interesting in particular to see how Bruno Senna, nephew of the great Ayrton, gets on and whether the wait for the Senna name to return to the sport will be worth it.
BMW Sauber: For some reason the BMW name stays with the Ferrari powered team. A car which was fast at first but possibly slipped back a bit as testing has gone on. A lack of sponsorship on the car could be a hinderence later in the season as other teams upgrade.
Virgin Racing: The first of the new teams to launch. While an attractive car to look at and slowing getting up to speed, they've been dogged by poor reliability which could hamper their season.
That's my thoughts for each team going into the new season. Can Schumacher push on towards 100 wins? How will the new teams fair? Will the all world champion line up in McLaren be their downfall?
The next 9 months will be brilliant.
Picture credits (courtesy of Flickr):
Rodefeld
ph-stop
ravas51
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