Ok so Ill mostly be blogging on Marketing Issues of the day but I thought I'd kick off with a Formula 1 season preview
It seems only a few weeks ago that I turned off the TV after watching the final race of the season and now we are on the brink of the next. As we move toward the first race down under there are still a few questions unanswered. Who will fill the last two spots on the grid? What will happen at the pre season tests? Ultimately, Who will take the chequered flag at Melbourne.
The first question really centres around Williams. We could look at the HRT drive, but we all know that may as well be on eBay with the seat going to whoever pays the most. So, will Williams they retain Rubens barrichello, bring in Sutil or go completely left field. What worries me most is that Narain Karthikeyan thinks he is still in with a chance of getting a drive. Not because he did a solid job last year, he didn't, was replaced from the brit GP onward only to return at the Indian GP as a publicity thing. Whoever Williams picks now will probably decide their future. This once great team is struggling for a title sponsor, Patrick Head has left and the outfit looks a shadow of the team that dominated the early 90's.
Personally I hope that they retain Rubens. He is still one of the quickest on the grid and brings a wealth of experience of both setting up the car and winning races. He is also fiercely loyal, regularly in his career doing the best for the team witch ultimately hurt his own chances.
So what of the others? Of the front runners, I cannot see much changing. At Red Bull, it would take a monumental effort from Mark Webber to even be competing again with his team mate. At the start of last season It seemed he had all his confidence kicked out of him at the first race by Vettell and hasn't had a answer since.
So will Vettells challenge come from McLaren? Button will be there or thereabouts due to his consistency. Hamilton is a different story. If his mind is right then he will win races and challenge. Here's hoping that he is back to his best and has taken off the Massa magnets from his car.
At Ferrari, Alonso will be hoping for a car that will have him challenging for wins from the first race. The prancing horse has been a slow starter the past few seasons and this has hurt them. There is no doubting Alonso's talent, but what about Massa? For him the question has changed from 'can he challenge?' to 'will he last the season?' Overall it will depend on the car. Ferrari have picked up several key men from McLaren which can only make them stronger.
Over in the Mercedes garage, we have two Germans that are moving in different directions in their career. Rosberg looked strong last season and Shumi cut the figure of a man who misses his testing. The team stopped development on last year's car early when it became clear it wasn't a race winner so hopefully the silver arrows will take a big step forward this season. Whilst I see them getting to the podium, race wins will be difficult if the top three teams remain as reliable.
And what of the rest of the teams? The midfield teams will be as before and I can't see even a motivated Kimi Raikkonen moving the Renaults up the grid. His return is a good story and could be the surprise of the season but I just don't think so.
Force India and Sauber will be renewing rivalries again hoping that they can spring a surprise or two. For my money FI will be stronger as their drivers look far more impressive than the Swiss outfit. As we go further back through the grid. Marrusia and the Caterhams will be having fun at the back of the grid, but frankly it's hard to see these teams going anywhere than to the wall or being bought out.
So, in conclusion I think there are three teams capable of winning on a regular basis but the title will be down to Vettel, Alonso and the McLaren boys. Pre season testing will give us an indication on the order of these guys but for now the money has to be on Vettel.
Here's to another great season!
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