What is it going to be? F1,Formule 1, construct, konstrukce

What is it going to be?

L.Pecháček | 15.3.06 | Komentáře - L.Pecháček 2006

F1 comments L.Pecháček

The 2006 F1 season, that's one big mystery. New 2400 ccm engines, new regulations, new qualification - these are the base for all the speculations. Only the majority of drivers remained but many claimed they must have learned driving with the new engines from the scrap. Tuning the new engines to the maximum the constructors had to do magic with gears. Aerodynamic limitations of additional bodywork elements also influenced the cars' performance. That all the work hadn't been in vain was proved by reaching record lap times in Valencia, where the testing was running until the last moment before the first GP.

The teams' outlooks are various. The teams themselves are, of course, self-satisfied. However, looking from the outside the situation might not be so ideal. Things are definitely not going to be easy for Ferrari again. No matter how much Michael Schumacher is determined to fight for the championship in his most likely last season. Renault will not probably keep its last year's sovereign position. There is a hope for McLaren, but only if the Mercedes engines get more reliable. Toyota will want its first victory. BMW Sauber and Honda Racing have to be considered with question marks at the moment. Red Bull with the Ferrari engines may be a surprise at the beginning of the season, similarly to the last year. The others will just scavenge some points.The first GPs of Bahrain, Malaysia and Australia might bring some crazy and unexpected results, but from San Marino on, the situation may settle and the teams' hopes should be clearer. I personally trust McLaren - Mercedes. Perhaps they learned their lesson last year. Kimi Räikkönen and Juan Pablo Montoya are the two most balanced drivers on the grid. Provided the Colombian saves himself from unnecessary mistakes, they could be the leading couple of drivers. There is a similar situation in Renault. There are definitely more candidates for the title than last year. Even though 24 out of 27 drivers reached points it wasn't an objective image of the real distribution of strength. Exactly how these predictions and hopes will fulfil we are going to see as soon as 12 March after the GP of Bahrain. Pre-season testing is one thing, racing quite the other. However, even then it will be too early to jump to conclusions. Everything may be different in Malaysia and Australia. We can only wish for this season 2006 to be more interesting then the last one so that watching the Championship would bring fun and enjoyment to us.