From Australia (16th March) to Brazil (2nd November) through Montmeló (27th April) and Valencia (18th August), one of Formula 1 racing’s greatest assets is its ability to renew itself. It is what gives this fantastic sport its appeal.
Kimi Raikkonen and Ferrari are the world champions after a controversial 2007 season when the action on the track between the Scuderia and McLaren reached fever pitch. But what are their chances of retaining the tittles? Having come so close in his rookie season, can Lewis Hamilton win redemption for McLaren by going one better in 2008? Over the winter, Ferrari appeared to make a step forward even on their late 2007 form. McLaren, however, hit back with very quick times in Barcelona, where the track mercilessly highlights any shortcoming with its wide range of corners. Then there is the fight to be third. Last season was pretty much the preserve of BMW Sauber, but this year it could be different. Williams have looked very strong in testing and Renault, despite gloomy predictions from Fernando Alonso, will be in there sooner or later. The renewal is not confined to what happens on the track. In two cases, it is the tracks themselves that are new, with exciting new street venues in Valencia, for the European Grand Prix, and the first-ever night race at Singapore in September – a further indication that the sport never misses a trick in evolving itself for the fans’ benefit.
This is always the time of year when anything is possible, a great point at which to let one’s expectations for the campaign ahead to be coloured by the excitement of the previous season. As things stand, at least three drivers may be vying for the world championship in November. So do not go away. This is where the fun really starts.
