Since the climax of the 2010 season in the twilight of Abu Dhabi 112 days ago, Formula One fans have eagerly been anticipating the 2011 which, even though it is said prior to every single season, could be the best yet. We have five World Champions on the grid which hasn't occured since 1970 plus numerous rule changes aimed at improving the quality of the racing. What the new rule changes really mean folks is amendments to try and provide more overtaking, such as the return of KERS and adjustable rear wings. Furthermore, in another bid to improve the racing, the durability of the new tyres supplied by Pirelli could be fascinating. For 2011, we will now see maybe three or four stop races, depending on the endurance of the Pirelli compound. So, with the season just three days away (yes I do mean Friday free practice), I will evaluate each team's progress over the winter and whether or not they can mount a championship challenge. This is my 2011 F1 season preview, enjoy:
Virgin: Once again, Virgin's car will be designed by CFD, which did not provide any significant benefits for the team last season. Despite clearly having a quicker car than the HRT, the team were hampered endlessly by reliability issues and that will need to be eradicated somewhat in 2011. Timo Glock has been retained for the upcoming season although really the German should be fighting for podiums rather than pride; his talents far outweigh what Virgin can provide. Glock will have a new team mate this season in the form of Belgian rookie Jerome d'Ambrosio. It will be interesting to see whether Virgin can climb higher up the F1 grid and, when conditions suit them, threaten the midfield runners this season.
Hispania: Likewise in 2010, HRT have failed at putting their car through its paces over the winter and so Free Practice on Friday will be the first time either of their drivers has turned a wheel in anger this season. Ferrari racked up almost 7000km during pre-season testing which further underlines Hispania's woes. The fact they have lasted a second season in F1 is mightily impressive given their difficulties in 2010. The team have a new driver line up for 2011: neither Bruno Senna, Karun Chandhok, Sakon Yamamoto and Christian Klien were considered for a race seat this season, so the burden of driving the HRT F111 will fall on the shoulders of Chankhok's countryman Narain Karthikeyan and Vitantonio Liuzzi. Karthikeyan will be crucial in acquiring much needed funds for the cash-strapped team, given that this year the inaugural Indian Grand Prix will take place. In the opposite garage, Liuzzi will once again look to prove his undoubted talent. It appears both drivers are just desperate to be in F1 regardless of the chassis they will be given. However, 2011 may well be a more successful season than the previous one, as they will be using gearboxes supplied by the Williams team. Nevertheless, the car will just be an updated version of last season's model. One potential obstacle for the team will be the reintroduction of the 107% qualifying rule, which may see them on the sidelines for plenty of races in 2011.
Lotus: Although Lotus were undoubtedly the fastest of the new teams last season, the biggest surprise was that despite updates throughout the campaign, they were still 1.5secs slower than the bottom end of the midfield runners such as the Toro Rossos and the Saubers. This must change for 2011. The driver line up remains the same which is a positive; both Lotus drivers are capable of challenging the frontrunners and if given a quicker car this season by Mike Gascoyne, they will relish the opportunity of doing so. Moreover, they are not 'pay' drivers, and neither has let frustration overwhelm them despite constantly battling for 18th and 19th places. Just to avoid confusion, this is the Lotus team that raced in green last season, for those of you who are baffled by the ongoing court case with Group Lotus. Team Lotus have also agreed a deal to run Red Bull gearboxes and drivetrains for this season and will be powered by Renault engines, meaning they should be much more competitive. A team which was previously owned by Colin Chapman and had drivers such as Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Mario Andretti and Ayrton Senna in their cars, should not be fighting tooth and nail in midfield obscurity.
Sadly guys, I now have to get on with some University work. I will be bringing you parts two and three of my season preview in the upcoming days.
Josh.
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