New F1 season

[3 Gen Rev]

Good to see the new cars in action and the new (and not so new) drivers getting to grips with this year's machinery....
Which car do you think looks best?
Some extreme dorsal fins this time, and some monster rear diffusers too.

[Vic VDB]

I think the renault and red bull cars look interesting and once they've been shaken down, pit gossip is very positive (reading around).

Schumie will be fun, wonder if he'll maintain his 'knock em off' tactical approach to competitors and wonder how he'll fare with the age difference? He'll need a car with a couple of seconds advantage to really cut it this year but it's fun to see him out there - now, wonder what Mansell's doing?

[Chad]

I am glad it's all back as well. If Nigel were in with this lot, it would be interesting.

Not sure which car I like best yet. Lewis is putting in a fair show this morning.

[Vic VDB]

So Alonso comes out of the first testing a second ahead of the bunch. Schummie did well and the inetersting news for me was the potential of another Brit on the podium next year in the shape of Paul di Resta (Force India).

Now, where's Nigel (bit of a where's Wally game perhaps?)

[Vic VDB]

The new points scoring system will add to the battle. After all, if you're in second place it's no longer a couple of points to be made up later it's a whopping SEVEN!

1st =  25
2nd = 18
3rd = 15
4th = 12
5th = 10
6th = 8
7th = 6
8th = 4
9th = 2
10th = 1

[clockman]

That is a huge jump in points... especially if the cars are very close in performance terms and the person in the lead at the start effectively stays in the lead throughout...

[AndyHB]

Yes, I think this new points system will kill F1 for many.  The good thing about the last couple of seasons is that the title (drivers' at least) has gone down to last race or two.  Can't see that being repeated with this system.

[3 Gen Rev]

Good to see the new teams beginning to hit the track....
Virgin looks good, quite how it will compare on pace is an unknown, and now Lotus have got the thing up & running it'll be good to see how they manage.

[Chad]

I think Jensen is out today, and then there is the new Red Bull. Should be a good 4 days, but reports say rain possibly for two of them, so not so good.

[Chad]

A good day for JB, Lewis is out tomorrow.

[3 Gen Rev]

Good times in testing, nice to see virgin & Lotus out on track...a welcome return to the green & gold..still not sure about Campos & USF1.
What do you make of the relative pace?

[Chad]

Good times in testing, nice to see virgin & Lotus out on track...a welcome return to the green & gold..still not sure about Campos & USF1.
What do you make of the relative pace?

Think t is still too early, but Mac is up there, and Alonso says Ferrari have not tried yet!!

Next week should be interesting, but the race cars are always different, so we might have to wait.
That said, all the main boys look competitive, so it could be good season.

[3 Gen Rev]

A bit of a shock to see the name Lada will be on an F1 car this year! Not a name synonymous with racing excellence, but apparently they'll be sponsoring Renault this year in connection with the new Russian Driver.

[Chad]

Time to start getting excited again. Pity we will not be a able to watch live races for 4 or 5 - at least not without some discomfort

[3 Gen Rev]

Quite a good discussion on the BBC F1 site about the new season, could be some epic struggles!
Be good to get the sandbagging over and see what pace they all have.