THE latest rules allow for new, more attractive and normal noses for the cars and thus a levelling of the playing fields on engines.
I recently spoke to Dieter Rencken (Autosport reporter) who gave me an update on the whole state of play.
Regarding the engine scenario, it is apparent that Renault and Ferrari allowed themselves to be talked into a corner when they discussed engine stability rules in 2013 for the beginning of the new Formula 1 1.6-l turbo-charged formula which started last year.
They unanimously agreed to do a seven-year stability rule up to 2020, thereby there would be no basic change in engine design for that period.
What was underestimated, however, was that Mercedes Benz would come out with a revolutionary turbo charger design which left the others in the dust.
The stability rule would have meant that Mercedes would have enjoyed a monopolistic advantage for the period.
Fortunately, a loophole was found in the rules which allowed the others to play catch-up and we can now expect Ferrari, Renault and Honda engines to get better with their sustained development as the months progress.
And Bernie Ecclestone wants to see over one thousand HP back in Formula 1 again!
With testing times over what have we learnt?
I think we can expect Mercedes and Ferrari to be the quickest cars with all the others much closer to them than before.
Regarding the top cars I quote the following, “Lewis Hamilton should again be fighting hard with team mate Nico Rosberg to keep the silver arrows on top.”
Ferrari claimed to have a dream team with drivers Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen working and performing extremely well together in testing.
They are being led with a breath of fresh air by new team chief, Maurizio Arrivabene.
Their latest car, with over 700hp, is designated the SF1 5T.
At Red Bull the exciting and dynamic Daniel Ricciardo is thrilled to be at home as the darling of the crowd at the fast flowing Albert Park track.
I quote Ricciardo, “We have learnt a lot in testing but still have more to go and I expect much better results this year.”
Team mate Daniil Kvyat, the ‘rude racy’ Russian, also says they have come a long way and are now on a new level.
He did very well in Melbourne last year and I expect something special this time around as well.
McLaren Honda with ‘the new engine on the block’ this year, had a difficult time in testing with some mechanical problems plus a massive accident at 250km per hour for Fernando Alonso during testing.
Because of the effects of the concussion he will take a break this weekend.
They have great potential over the months to come with a wonderful combination of drivers in Alonso and Jenson Button and I expect great things to come in future.
Williams Mercedes, who come from Grove in Oxforshire, the centre of motor racing talent in the world, is confident that in Felipe Massa and ‘Flying Finn’ Valtteri Bottas, they are capable of a top notch performance with an improved version of last year’s very good car.
At Lotus there is great enthusiasm and excitement as they start out this year with the advantage of Mercedes power.
They have high hopes for the new E23 Hybrid from the factory not far down the road at Enstone. Force India Mercedes, Sauber Ferrari, Toro Rosso and Maurussia complete the line-up.
This weekend should see a very exciting qualifying session at 8am on Saturday with the race at 7am on Sunday. Tyres will again play a pivotal part. Watch out for the choice of yellow softs and white mediums during the race.
We are racing again, Down Under!
