It is always a pleasure to introduce a new writer to the ranks of UpdateF1; we take pride in nurturing young talent - our Belgian correspondent Filip Cleeren was a finalist in last years Bridgestone eReporter competition, something we are very proud of - as well as giving fans and enthusiasts a chance to write on the sport they love.
On this note please allow me to present the first published entry by Christian Marchant, a regular in our forums whose name you will all surely know; Christian hails from the town of Armidale in rural New South Wales, Australia, and is s tudent of Law and Communications on his way to a double degree in the subjects.
As well as Formula One, Christian lists among his interests music, writing, reading and video gaming, and those who are familiar with him from our forums will know he has a keen interest in a variety of sports. He is also looking to travle once his studies are completed, and we would guess his itinerary may well take in a Grand Prix or two!
Please welcome Christian to the team, for I feel sure he will contribute on a regular basis, and enjoy his analysis - below - of the contenders for the 2010 F1 title.
The 2010 Title Contendsers
As we edge closer to the first round of the 2010 F1 world championship, F1 fans are frothing at the mouth with the prospect of what many consider the most anticipated season since 1990.
It seems over the past three seasons F1 has been hit by a deluge of champions and potential stars, but it is the return of the biggest of them all that has tongues wagging.
For the first time since 2006, F1 will see its most prolific driver take fight again in the battle of the World Championship, and the names he is up against have left most gasping in anticipation.
The potential to see up to seven, or more, cars battling for the WDC – four of these driven by previous champions - has breathed new life in to F1.
On deaths door step only six months ago, a field attracting some of the biggest stars in 20 years will drive the popularity of the sport up once again.
Of the seven possible title contenders they line up like this:
McLaren: With World Champion Jenson Button signing a three year deal shortly after the conclusion of last year’s final in Abu Dhabi, the team can boast of having the two latest additions to the World Champion hall of fame.
While Button is the reigning champion, he'll have a hard time proving his worth over team mate Lewis Hamilton. The Briton was unlucky to back up his title last year, as McLaren's interpretation of rule book prevented the team from seriously competing with the likes of Brawn and Red Bull for the world title. He still managed to overhaul Kimi Raikkonen and Ferrari and drag McLaren to a third place in the constructors championship, which was a mammoth effort in itself considering the lack of support from McLarens other driver Heikki Kovalainen.
For Jenson, he's entering a completely different environment to the one he left. McLaren is very methodical and precise in its thinking which leaves the question as to whether he'll gel well or confine himself to second driver type role behind Lewis. McLaren will certainly be back to title contending form and it will be interesting to see how these two champions match up against the opposition.
Brawn GP: A completely new-look team since the season closed at Abu Dhabi. Gone are Rubens Barrichello and Jenson Button and in is a new title sponsor in Petronas and manufacturer backing from Mercedes, as well as a new signing - two Germans -in Nico Rosberg and seven times world champion Michael Schumacher.
Rosberg, the earlier signing of the two, has been touted since his arrival in F1 as a future champion. His speed in earlier championships proved that he wasn't just a flash in the pan and that he was a driver to look out for in the future. He's failed to live up to the hype surrounding him over recent years, but poor cars from Williams have prevented him from being a top form driver.
In 2009 he had arguably his best year in F1, performing well enough to earn him a place at reigning champions Brawn GP.
On the other side of the garage is a driver that needs no introduction. His unveiling on Christmas eve was not so much of a surprise but a clarification that the seven times WDC was not finished with F1.
After his aborted comeback last season, it seemed that the itch was well and truly implanted in to Michael's brain, and it took only a few conversations with former technical advisor at Ferrari, Ross Brawn, to bring him back.
Whether it’s a new Schumacher or not is yet to be seen, but it would be foolish to disregard the him from the world title race. He may be 41, but when has age ever prevented Michael from performing superhuman feats?
Red Bull: Last year’s surprise packet, the team picked up six race wins, second only to Brawn GP. Young German Sebastian Vettel started showing his potential with four wins and four poles adding further evidence that the kid is the real deal.
Errors earmarked his season and eventually caused his undoing in the world title race, but at 22 he still has a long time left in his career. His partner in crime Mark Webber remained his consistent best last season. While he couldn't match the young German, he drove solidly and cemented his seat in the second Red Bull car.
This year will tell whether Mark will ever step up to the plate and be a force, or whether he'll remain as a solid number two, not unlike Rubens Barrichello. Red Bull certainly have several factors going in their favour, and not least is star car designer Adrian Newey whom is starting his third season at the Red Bull outfit.
Ferrari: 2009 was a disappointing year for the Red Barons. One win from Kimi Raikkonen lead the team to its worst season since 1993.
In Ferrari’s favour however is the fact that car development was halted mid season to focus on this season and with new signing -twice WDC Fernando Alonso- the year looks prosperous for the Prancing Horse. Massa returns to the fold after missing the majority of last season after he was hit on the head by a metal spring at the Hungaroring round of the championship.
It is yet to be determined whether Ferrari will continue with its two lead driver policy, with Alonso’s track record, or whether the team will revert to its formidable days of a single lead driver policy; however it was hinted by team boss Stefano Domenicali that Ferrari's driver policy will most likely change, which doesn't look promising for Massa.
With the first test only days away the teams are about to embark on pre season schedule where the who's who will be out in style to not only win over their team, but to prove that they and their car are ready to fight for the championship.
Written by Christian Marchant on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:15:23
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