So after Australia's thrilling first installment in the 2003 championship race the next stop is Sepang, Malaysia.
Can DC and McLaren capatilse on their winning start?
Will Raikkonen secure his madien victory?
Can Michael Schumacher get back to his winning ways?
How bad really is that Williams?
Will Jenson tell Jacques to Button it?
Will the car in front of the rest be a Toyota?
Just so many questions to be answered, but one thing for sure this weekend will go that bit to clear things up.
So what are going to be the main factors which could influence the outcome of Sunday's race? Well that obviously going to be the weather and tyres. The Sepang circuit is one which tends to generate alot of heat into the tyres with track temperatures getting nearer 50 degrees if the temperature is hot. This is going to benefit the Michelin runners, McLaren, Williams, Renault and Toyota as their tyres have traditionally performed better in the hot conditions. However the likelihood for a dry race seems remote as the forecast is for thunderstorms and rain. This could turn final qualifying and the race into a lottery which will obviously be exciting for the viewer. With only one wet tyre compound available there is a hard decision to be made. Intermediates or full wets? The Bridgestone shod teams Ferrari, BAR, Sauber will hold a significant advantage in drying conditions, but if the circuit turns into a lake then advantage will switch to Michelin who has in Australia will probably choose full wets. With monsoon conditions possible anybody could win, so who looks likely to win most?
Firstly Ferrari. After a disasterous Oz the Prancing Horse will be looking to gallop to the finishing line first. Over the winter McLaren's interim MP4-17D has closed the gap, the clear advantage isn't there and whatever they say there is a bit of panic at Fiarano. MS is obviously favourite but he's going to have to fight for this win and we all saw if crack under the pressure of Kimi Raikkonen at the last race. He's due a bit of bad luck and Rubens Barrichello his team mate is due a bit of good but will the sun shine or the rain pour on him in Malaysia?
McLaren couldn't have got off to a better start in Malaysia. Cool and collective drive by winner Coulthard and the young prentender showed the world who's going to be the future boss. McLaren will be strong again, stongest I feel in a completely dry race but whatever ever happens a solid performance by both their drivers with their new car due to test for the first time next week will certainly turn the heat up on those Italians that bit more. Grin Ron, grin! Squirm Todt, squirm you French weasel. DC v's MS, battle of the chins, methinks another classic could be instore.
During the winter, there was claims that Williams had again produced a shit heap powered by the best engine. Montoya could have won in Australia, while Ralf never looked like he had a hope in hell. A dry race will give a clear indication of where Williams are at and whether Frank's wheel chair will be getting rolled out at Imola.
Now Renault. A solid performance by Alonso in Melbourne. Flavio believes he's the next MS, well he has a wallet with an active imagination because we all know where Flavio keeps his brains. A good car, with an underpowered Renault. Probable points finish for both drivers, podium maybe if wet.
BAR. Britsh American Racing like Toyota have made huge gains over the winter. The car and new Honda engine are performing well and the inter team rivalry has reignited the spark in Jacques Villeneve champion in 1997. JV how purposely came in to pit when Jenson was supposed to last time hasn't helped ease the situation so expect both cars and sparks to fly this weekend. The car doesn't eat it's rear tyres which is good if the weeather turns out to be hot.
Last year the car in front of the Minardi was the Toyota an unpedictable race could see them in front of everybody. Could they win? Yes the could and if they did Panis would be the winner. Current CART champion Da Matta is still finding his feet(doesn't have that far to look, 5 foot) but he did show promise last time around. Mechanical failure ended his race last time, can he fair any bette on Sunday. A good car aerodynamically so suited to this track and with a powerful engine suited to Sepang's long straights.
Jordan will be looking to secure their first points of 2002. Average car, average drivers so will find the going tough. The battle for points even with points being awared to eight is just so much closer this year that Jordan are now effectively a tail-ender.
Sauber showed plenty of promise in Australia with Frentzen and Heidfeld running 2nd and 3rd at one point. A strong driver line up should see a good showing again providing their is no holes in the Swiss teams armour.
Jaguar the cats which is a dog. The bisexual car which can't make it's mind up what it is. Not expecting my from jungle boy Pizzonia but Webber has the ability to impress in an inferior car.
And last but not least Minardi. Not going to set the world alight but if the race is wet keep an eye on Jos the Boss Versappen.
So who's going to win? Kimi Raikkonen
The race starts at 7am GMT and can be seen live on ITV1 this Sunday. Don't miss it!
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