Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
You can almost smell the season upon us as new cars are launched and testing has started in Valencia. However, teams are having to cope with a raft of new changes that will make the launch in Bahrain as fascinating as ever, writes Abu George.
The much publicised re-introduction of KERS and the standardisation of the movable rear-wing has left F1's most experienced campaigner, Rubens Barrichello complaining 'there is so much to do in the cockpit now that you keep taking your eye off the road'.
Pirelli's replacement of Bridgestone has left teams trying to work out the best way to maximise the effectiveness of the car's footprint on the tarmac. Many drivers have complained about the additional 'degradation' of the new rubber, although Jenson Button believes it will play into his hands.
Button, who is renowned as having one of the smoothest driving styles on the grid, commented: "It has a stable rear when you enter high speed corners."
Personally, I believe all drivers need a stable rear with the speeds they reach!
Lotus Renault GP now has to look at a replacement for star driver Robert Kubica, who crashed while rallying. Following surgery in 2003 after a serious road accident where he had titanium bolts inserted into his arm, there are concerns as to his ability to return to the sport. It looks like the team will turn to one of its test drivers, Bruno Senna or Romain Grosjean, as his interim replacement. In the meantime, GulfWeekly wishes Robert well.
For the record, Ferrari and Red Bull have laid down the gauntlet with the fastest times in testing in Valencia.
