Friday, March 31, 2006
# posted by Rich @ 1:18 AM
Australia Preview
It seems like only yesterday that F1 was last in Melbourne. Last year, Australia was the first race of the season, and was also the first race with the new qualifying rules and, as if it were pre-destined, the weather threw a spanner in the works and led to a mixed up grid. Giancarlo Fisichella took a superb win, but the stars of the show were Barrichello and Alonso, who came from 11th and 13th on the grid repsectively to finish 2nd and 3rd.
This year, Fisichella has high hopes of repeating last year's victory at the Albert Park circuit, but he will face some stiff competition. Alonso clearly could have won last year were it not for his lowly grid position. Furthermore, Raikkonen has a lot to prove, and will be looking to stamp his mark on the 2006 season.
Button and Barrichello wil also be looking out to impress, although by Button's own admission, he will need the Renault's to suffer misfortune if he is to win.
Mark Webber, on home soil, will also be someone to look out for - the Williams' have been going quite well so far this season, but he will have to watch out for his hard charging team mate Nico Rosberg. If the Cosworth engine problems have been solved, then a good result could be on the cards. Also, don't forget the Ferraris - Ferrari have won in Melbourne 5 times (and Michael Schumacher is a 4 time winner).
So, what to expect - well, much of the same. The Renaults, Hondas, McLarens, Ferraris and Williams all quick. Qualifying I think will be tight, and I am going to predict something really crazy - Webber for the pole (hey, he is a good qualifier, and he will be on home soil.
In a previous post I predicted Alonso for the win. I have a feeling that Raikkonen is going to prove me wrong, but we'll see what the weekend brings...
This year, Fisichella has high hopes of repeating last year's victory at the Albert Park circuit, but he will face some stiff competition. Alonso clearly could have won last year were it not for his lowly grid position. Furthermore, Raikkonen has a lot to prove, and will be looking to stamp his mark on the 2006 season.
Button and Barrichello wil also be looking out to impress, although by Button's own admission, he will need the Renault's to suffer misfortune if he is to win.
Mark Webber, on home soil, will also be someone to look out for - the Williams' have been going quite well so far this season, but he will have to watch out for his hard charging team mate Nico Rosberg. If the Cosworth engine problems have been solved, then a good result could be on the cards. Also, don't forget the Ferraris - Ferrari have won in Melbourne 5 times (and Michael Schumacher is a 4 time winner).
So, what to expect - well, much of the same. The Renaults, Hondas, McLarens, Ferraris and Williams all quick. Qualifying I think will be tight, and I am going to predict something really crazy - Webber for the pole (hey, he is a good qualifier, and he will be on home soil.
In a previous post I predicted Alonso for the win. I have a feeling that Raikkonen is going to prove me wrong, but we'll see what the weekend brings...
Labels: Australia, Formula 1, Grand Prix
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