New Season - New Madness

With the start of the Formula1 season just 80 something days away, I am all excited. But there are still a lot of variables that need to fall in place. New teams have joined the old ones on the grid. Old teams have decided to call it a day. New drivers are being recruited. Old drivers are looking for a drive. A driver has left F1 for rallying. But one of the biggest mysteries is still to be solved.

"Will the seven time champion drive for Mercedes?"

When Michael Schumacher was slated to replace Massa after the latter's horrific crash, I was so excited. But somewhere my heart was telling me that it was not going to happen. As expected the Schumster pulled out citing a neck injury that did not heal. Was I disappointed? you bet it was. I was hoping to be able to see him drive the Prancing Pony just once more if that was all.

2009 was a season no one would forget. It started with a bang for the Brawn team and ended in championship glory. Now we have to see if they can keep up their form in their new 'avatar'. Mercedes does not want to be labelled a German team and so they probably dont want to hire another German driver. But the Schumster is not just 'another' driver. So with all the speculation around who Nico's team mate is going to be, Mercedes is basking in the publicity it is getting. And Michael is not denying it either which is complicating things. How I wish they would put this to rest soon. If indeed the Master decided to come back and drive for Mercedes, that would be a treat for fans.

"How will the new teams fare?"

2010 will also witness 3 new teams on the grid. Virgin, Lotus and USF1. Lotus has already announced their lineup, but Virgin and USF1 have not. These teams will have to really work hard to come anywhere near even the likes of Force India who were a revelation last season. All of them seem to be running Cosworth engines from what I heard last. So I dont think there is too much to pick between them. However, with Lotus having an experienced driver in Trulli, one does hope to see the Trulli train in F1 once more. How long it will be is another matter ;-)

"What about rallying?"

After a couple of seasons in the Prancing Pony, the ice man goneth. He disappointed to say the least. 2009 did not see him in the best of form nor in the best of cars. But his attitude towards the team is probably what cost him his place at Ferrari. Alonso at Ferrari was something we had to see inevitably and I am glad to see it sooner rather than later. Mind you, I was not jumping about in joy simply because I know how much of a cry baby he can be. But with Massa apparently recovering fully, I am sure this partnership will be worth watching. How much of rallying we would want to see is another matter.

"Two Champions - One Team"

What do you say about that? Button has joined Hamilton at McLaren. This gives McLaren two Champions and two egos to deal with. Will it be as bad as the Alonso-Hamilton rivalry? I dont know. It depends on what kind of contract and deal Button and Hamilton have made with their team. But that will not stop them from giving us an excellent battle througout the season. McLaren will surely produce a fast car.

Overall there are still a couple of madcap months in front of us and with the refuelling ban, I am pretty sure there will be more surprises this year than even 2009.