Soon all the pre-season testing will be done and the first round of the Formula 1 season will begin.  With all the rule changes, there are way too many unpredictabilities.  Brawn GP is testing well setting some very impressive times.  Ferrari have been on the top of the time sheetswith some KERS problems and McLaren are scattered everywhere on the time sheets and have had all sorts of KERS problems, but all is well they are quick.  The front wings are so huge now that turn one will be very interesting.  I think that if you’re in the front of the starting grid you’re golden and if you’re at the very back you have a good chance to really steer of the turn one accident.  If you’re in the middle of the pack… you’re screwed!  Once underway KERS and adjusting on-the-fly down-force could make a fast car slow and a slow car fast.  Drivers are also sacrificing weight to take advantage of the power to weight ratio, especially once the KERS system engages.  It seems that drivers this year have incorporated more of a diet to increase that power to weight ratio.  With the likes of slick tires, KERS, new aerodynamic restrictions, this season will be more of a “drivers” year than a “manufacturers” year.  Now the manufacturers are on a more level playing field than ever before and what it will come down to is driver adaptability to those changes.  Yes, reliability will play a huge role, but when it’s all said and done, the best “driver” will win.  Not just the car…  So on that note, I feel that Raikkonen, Alonso, Hamilton and even Webber have a good shot if their driving abilities are needed more than ever.  In any case, this will be a fun season and I hope that whatever happens, Kimi wins… I mean Ferrari… I mean, I hope you enjoy it too.

Kimi Raikkonen Pre-Season Testing (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images Europe)