Formula 1 2009

Posted by Kevin Guthrie Feb 4, 2009

With the new Formula 1 season just weeks away it is still unclear which team is in best shape, following a raft of rule changes since last year. The cars unveiled so far have shown differing approaches to the new regulations. The new machines certainly won't win any beauty contest, with their mandatory wide front wings and narrow rear wings. Slick tyres are also back, while aerodynamic add-ons have been outlawed in a bid to promote overtaking.

The major concern for many within the sport is the introduction of KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System). This electrical system may be clever, but mechanics and marshals are also worried it could be potentially lethal. In testing mechanics have already been electrocuted and many are understandably wary of working with the technology.

Perhaps the most exciting addition to the Formula 1 field in 2009 is Swiss driver Sebastien Buemi, who will drive for Toro Ross. Buemi is the latest product of Red Bull's Young Driver initiative and, if his predecessor Sebastian Vettel is anything to go by, he will be a man to watch.

Silverstone will make its final appearance as a round of the Formula 1 World Championship this year. The Northamptonshire track hosted the very first World Championship Grand Prix way back in 1950. It remains to be seen whether Donington Park will be ready to take over in 2010 or whether the British race will disappear for good. The loss of such an historic race will likely be of little interest to Formula 1's current owners, but once again it would be the fans who suffered.

Predicting a winner of this year's title is an extremely difficult task. I will go for Kimi Raikkonen. After a disappointing season last year (despite setting a record number of fastest laps) the 2007 World Champion should be more fired up than ever.