It's been a long time in coming but this weekend sees the Bahrain Grand Prix going down to start the most anticipated 2010 Formula 1 world championship in years.
What, with refuelling banned and a completely new era of one-tank racing set to start, it couldn't be more difficult to predict the outcome come Sunday afternoon 2 o'clock SA time - new teams, new driver combinations and much more have conspired to deliver a truly unpredictable F1 season for the first time in many a year.
Pre season testing saw the top fifteen covered by less than one second - it's that close. Many expect it to be a shootout between the McLarens of Button and Hamilton, the Ferraris of Alonso and Massa, the Red Bulls of Webber and Vettel and the returning Michael Schumacher and Rosberg in the Mercedes.
But do not for a second discount Sauber, Renault, Toro Rosso or Force India - all are in with a shot. And while BMW, Toyota and Honda may all be gone, there will be renewed interest at the back of the field where Lotus, Virgin and Hispania bring some new spice in F1.
Looking at the grand prix itself, the Sakir track has a new complex of corners adding 600m to the track to hopefully bring a little more overtaking and excitement. There's lots more new in F1 too, as you'll find out through the link below...
Cars in Action Online has prepared a comprehensive preview foe you - follow the links below to read all about who's doing what and when in Formula 1 this year. And don't forget to come back here throughout the weekend for the latest race weekend news as it breaks...
THE CARS IN ACTION ONLINE F1 SPECIAL
All the Cars, Drivers & Teams HERE
Formula 1 Champions & Statistics HERE
What's New in F1 2010 HERE
The Full F1 Winter Testing Wrap HERE
So, Who's Gonna Win in Formula 1 in 2010? HERE
BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX STATISTICS & INFO
FIA Formula 1 World Championship
Round 1 Bahrain - Sakir 14 March 2010
57 Laps of 5.412km – 308.238km
Lap Record: M Schumacher Ferrari 1m30.252 (2004)
Schedule:
Friday 12 March
Practice 1 09:00 CAT
Practice 2 13:00 CAT
Saturday 13 March
Practice 3 10:00 CAT
Qualifying 13:00 CAT
Sunday 14 March
Race 14:00 CAT
Previous Winners
2004 Michael Schumacher Ferrari
2005 Fernando Alonso Renault
2006 Fernando Alonso Renault
2007 Felipe Massa Ferrari
2008 Felipe Massa Ferrari
2009 1 Jenson Button Brawn
2 Sebastian Vettel Red Bull
3 Jarno Trulli Toyota
4 Lewis Hamilton McLaren
5 Rubens Barrichello Brawn
6 Kimi Raikkonen Ferrari
7 Timo Glock Toyota
8 Fernando Alonso Renault
Pole Position: Jarno Trulli Toyota 1:33.431
Fastest Lap: Jarno Trulli Toyota 1:34.556
The Racetrack: Sakir, Bahrain: 5.412km
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