The start of this years FIA Formula One World Championship is upon us with qualifying this Saturday afternoon in Melbourne and extremely early, Saturday morning for us Brits in the UK . Mclaren has an obligation to put new man Lewis Hamilton near the front but former World Champion, Fernando Alonso ahead of him. However, expect Lewis to be quicker than Fernando whenever the opportunity arises. Lewis is very good and the last thing on his mind will be the pressure from his team-mate or from the media, he knows how to cope with that.Ferrari in pre-season testing have proved that the package they can produce is the best on the
grid, so expect new driver Kimi Raikkonen to put up a major fight to current, and last years driver, Felipe Massa.BMW have also been super quick throughout winter testing and they will also be running at the front. Robert Kubica proved himself last year with the team and will be a certain contender in qualifying but may not have the race pace that his more experienced team-mate Nick Heidfeld may have.
From a British point of view, we have David Coulthard, Jenson Button, Anthony Davidson and Hamilton flying the flag. A fine selection of British drivers but expect Hamilton and Davidson to be the real surprises this year. Davidson will certainly be as quick as Jenson Button, if not quicker, he is hungry to do well and Honda will ensure that this years Super Aguri will be on the pace. A good performance from Anthony and he is likely to outqualify all of his Honda team-mates this weekend in Australia, including Button.
The lacklustre performance of the Red Bull team in pre-season testing has been disappointing and as a consequence it is unlikely Coulthard will be on the pace in Australia and in the points come Sunday afternoon.
Jenson Button in his Honda is by far expected to be the top Brit in Australia, after qualifying on pole for the team last year (2006). However, the Honda has been off the pace in testing and Jenson will have to provide the team with a stunning lap to see the car in the top six.
However, the British driver who will start in the top six and, if the Mclaren is reliable, will finish in the top six will be Lewis Hamilton. From the age of seven he has been a winner and is not used to running second. I know Lewis and am confident that he will be consistently at the front in Melbourne and throughout the year and, if I am wrong this weekend, will get better and better as the year goes on.
The FIA have said it and I agree: "This year will be like no other, enjoy it!!"
My tip for Sundays result:
MC
Copyright © : Michael Chen, Friday 16th March 2007
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