As I write my final blog for the out season, counting down the hours
until the lights go out in Bahrain, I sit anxiously, the wait almost
over.
There are six new drivers and four new teams confirmed to be there at the weekend, which will complete the 24-car grid.
For
the first time in many years of the sport the predictions for the
drivers championship can at best be narrowed down to one of eight
possibilities, the constructors championship even less of a forgone
conclusion.
The ups and downs of the winter months have been
almost as exciting as many of the previous years' racing, with crys of
"will he come back?" or "is he too old?" echoing around the world.
The
battle to have cars ready and teams approved has whetted appetites of
even the mildest of F1 fans, with enough rumours and gossip to see us
through the long drought of racing events that the dark months can't
provide.
There will be one long-anticipated team not making an
appearance this weekend, or for the whole year for that matter. USF1
have decided that they don't have the cash to put themselves through it.
It's
a massive blow to our pals across the pond as I think it could have
made a big difference to the sport having a US entry. Formula 1 has a
largely European fan base and the big money and showmanship that we see
time and time again in American sport really could have had a big
influence on F1 in the future.
Big egos from the land of
superstar players such as Sean 'P Diddy' Coombes and Pharell Williams
have often been seen flossing their whips in the paddock, sparking
rumours that one day we will see them as team principles. Already we
have LA Lakers star Paul Gasol as a shareholder in the new HRT Racing.
Surely this will further fuel the new trend to own F1 teams.
Frustratingly
for Stefan GP, a replacement team will not be entered this year. An odd
decision I think, considering Stefan have already acquired the old
Toyota outfit and started dispatching freight out to Bahrain. The FIA
reckon it's too late in the day to add a different team to the
grid...???
Shame, would have made for even more excitement to a season that is already at boiling point before it's even begun!
The other flailing entry for 2010 were messers 'Campos Meta'. They
have been thrown a big fat lifeline in the dying seconds by Jose Ramon
Carabantes who has increased himself to the majority steak holder and
re-branded as 'HRT'.
Good news for Bruno Senna, who was very nearly left without a drive.
They will give there late entry its first shakedown at Friday practice
in Bahrain now that testing is officially closed until December.
So,
just three sleepless nights stand between us and the beginning of what
is said to be the greatest season yet. Will Lewis regain his crown?
will Jensen prove everyone wrong? Will Michael prove me right or will
Rubens actually drown in his own tears? All will be revealed.
Until then, remember, never break the chain.
READ F1 HUGGY EXCLUSIVELY AT MOTORSPORT.CO.UK
Date published :
10 Mar 201008:53:12
