Let the games begin

My take on the pecking order for this year.

Renault

Renault would hold the psychological advantage, considering that they have won both driver's and constructor's championships with a budget that was far lower than that of some of the other high flying teams. Winter testing isn't as much a gauge for speed as it is for reliability. However, Renault engines have proven to be stable, with their RS26 V8 engine coming out smooth and clean with some very long outings. Heikki Kovalainen sizzled during winter testing, and will fill in for Fernando once the Spaniard moves over to Woking. Renault would be my pre-season favorites, but with engines, tyre rules and qualifying rules changing, its a wild wild guess, mind you!

McLaren

Brilliant new bodywork from Woking, but appears that the Mercedes-Benz FO 108S V8 engine might be as unreliable as any of its predecessors. If their V10's were unreliable, god knows how their V8's might fare. Kimi and Montoya might have impressed with brilliant times at Valencia, but it remains to be seen at Baharain as to how much of the challenge McLaren sans Adrian Newey can pose this season. Equipment apart, Ron Dennis has stepped up the pressure on both drivers Kimi and Juan Pablo, considering that one of them would have to be moved out to accomodate Alonso in 2007. 'Sane driving' should be the words on the lips of the two Woking drivers.

Toyota

Toyota's has shown that it has the eye and the intent by spending close to a thumping half a billion US dollars last season. A V8 program that started off long before any rival dusted the design boards and an impressive aero package might suggest that Toyota are serious title contenders this season. However, I fancy their chances, considering that Trulli is more than happy to finish where he starts, and Ralf isn't just talented enough to make winning a habit.

Ferrari

With Ferrari testing at Bahrain, it was difficult to gauge their competitiveness vis-a-vis the other big teams. However, considering that they were toying with their restricted V10's and ancient F2004 chasses, I'd say that things don't look rosy for the Maranello team. But on the other hand, I don't see Messrs Schumacher, Brawn and Todt leaving their F1 legacy in tatters before they hang up their helmets/head phones/boots. Schumacher isn't the type who would brood over one bad season. Given a competitive car, the German would still give the young turks a run for their money. Who knows, with the slate being wiped clean with fresh qualifying, engine and tyre rules, the master strategists might be back in the reckoning.

Honda

Honda might turn out to be the one dark horse of the season. With BAR out of the way and the annual Buttongate fiasco coming to a closure, it appears that the Brackley team is finally set for the big stage. They V8, their chassis and their run up to the 2006 season has been impressive. I'd like to see who takes the lead role at Honda. With the fetters being removed from Barrichello's hands, it would be interesting to see how the Brazilian fares. Button might land up on the podium, but unless things go very wrong for all the other big teams, I don't see him winning a race this season.

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Those would be my five-pronged title contenders. The two Japanese teams might be young, but well, they have the money and the necessity to succeed. So I'd put them on par with the traditional European teams.
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Red Bull (and Torro Rosso)

The team that's shown incredible commitment to F1 in terms of money and man power. Signing Adrian Newey was no mean feet, and the Ex-McLaren design guru's presence would be felt a bit into the season. I really don't see Klein winning races, but with David Coulthard, you never know. The old man fails to rest, and perhaps his travails would pay off. Scott Speed and Tonio Liuzzi who would race for Torro Rosso are promising drivers, and perhaps the junior team would keep the seniors on their toes.

Williams F1

The divorce means that Frank wouldn't get those free Bayerische Motoren Werke engines anymore, but with a change to V8, a Cosworth partnership doesn't sound that bad either. Cosworth, along with Toyota have the V8 advantage, in my reckoning. And Nico promises to deliver, with impressive testing times. However, racing is a whole different game, and it remains to be seen if Nico has it in him to achieve what his father did, twenty four years ago. Webber - its time he shakes off his 'one-lap wonder' tag and delivers more consistently.

BMW Sauber

The marriage by convenience. Reliable, they might be, but I doubt the punch that BMW engines have. Sauber would, no doubt, have one of the best aero packages in the pitlane, thanks to Peter Sauber's legacy, but their speed would be a matter of concern. Also, it remains to be seen if the BMW folks gel well with their Hinwil counterparts. Robert Kubica, by the way, impressed in winter testing.

Midland F1

The first all Russian entrant in F1. They've got a new car and new engines, thanks to Toyota. However, they winning races or even landing in the points is a distant dream, considering that Monteiro likes to complete races rather than compete in them and Albers lacks the perseverance required to be an F1 driver.

Super Aguri

Aguri's enthusiasm is infectious. The Honda 'B' team as it is referred to would be an interesting watch, and it's a great thing that the SA05 is ready for the Bahrain Grand Prix. Mark Preston guarantees a new machine for the European leg of the season starting at Imola, so it remains to be seen if Aguri is to be taken seriously. Takuma Sato, for one, should concentrate on driving on the tarmac, rather than cutting grass with the world's most expensive lawn mower. Yuji Ide - I wouldn't be able to differentiate him from a Nepali, so no comment.

Michelin and Bridgestone

Last year the French swept the Japanese off the floor, but with tyre rules changing, the balance might be a bit better. Not an interesting battle to watch, considering that Michelin bids adieu to F1 for the god knows howmanyeth time forever.