It sounds funny saying that now. Late March, no really . . . late March. I'm already looking at 2012.
We begin in Melbourne. The F1 season should start in Melbourne. It is perhaps too convenient to simplify events in the Middle East as westernization, but in light of Ecclestone's insatiable thirst to push the sport east, it is ironic.
So under clouds of worldwide political turmoil and catastrophic events, F1 moves into a new season . . . and not a moment too soon. We need this spectacle, the ultra violent pitch of 18,000 rpm, especially now.
I have not kept as keen an eye on winter testing as normal, but there is much to be excited about. My observations are not unique, but I hope they may help turn focus away from turmoil if only for a brief moment.
Off the cuff, here's my head space as we enter the 2011 campaign
Testing suggests that Mercedes have in fact built a car to Schumi's liking and that he will thus be competitive. I would love to see BOTH Mercedes drivers win this year . . . Nico is due his first race win. Seeing Schumacher back on the podium . . . the top step of the podium . . . might erase the short term memory many formed about the driver previously remembered as a 7 time world champion.
The season hasn't started and I already miss Robert Kubica. I find his fortunes incredibly cruel. The (Lotus) Renault was the first F1 car built specifically for him and it has looked very strong in testing. How tragic would it be that Kubica could have in fact been a top three contender for the title?
I can't help but wonder that should Kubica return mid season, whether we'll see him reunited with Heidfeld for the remainder of the year. Despite his disciplined drive in Abu Dhabi 2010, Petrov left me with more questions than answers concerning his place on the grid.
Despite their version of the F-150 looking very strong, Ferrari have their work cut out against Red Bull. Massa must perform this year. He must consistently place on or just off the podium this year to stem the points haul Red Bull look set to claim.
No matter how great a driver Alonso clearly is, should Red Bull overcome their technical woes of 2010 ( brake and engine), he probably will not be able to defeat them alone.
Should the new McLaren fail to keep pace, it will be interesting to see how Button and Hamilton get on.
Speaking of getting on, Webber may find himself on the back foot if he doesn't start strong. This weekend, he may start to feel the true pain that comes from losing the title to his teammate.
Unfortunately, I've not much comment on the latest overhaul in technical regulations.
Good to see Pirelli back in the sport but I can't help but wonder if the purpose built obsolescence of their tires will do more to destroy great drives than create artificial drama.
I don't know. It seems nowadays that they rewrite the rule book every year . . . but after 35 years I keep coming back. They can't shake me and they can't destroy one the greatest spectacles of modern competition.
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