F1 Quali Bahrain

Well, the first quali of 2010 has been and gone and what an interesting start to the new season. Firstly a new team appeared on the grid in the shape of HRT Cosworth with drivers Bruno Senna and Karun Chandrock. The late entries didn't have much running but at least they qualified.

To clear something up is the question of fuel for quali and now we know the teams run their own fuel levels for quali which don't affect race fuel as all cars now start on full tanks as no refuelling throughout the race. The new front tyres are also 20mm narrower than last season and on the Green walled tyres they were causing problems during quali as they were going off quickly.

As all the talk will be about Michael Schumacher's return it does put pressure on him knowing the worlds press is watching and Nico Rosberg has a lot to prove albeit he has been 0.05 secs quicker than Michael all weekend.

So the new 24 car grid launched itself at 1100 Saturday full of anticipation of who was to be the leading light for the start of the season. Alonso was forecast to be that light but things always have a habit of changing in this sport.

Quali 1 was a bit of a procession really as the top teams didn't have to try very hard to beat the new teams who are not on the case yet. There was criticism of HRT as they haven't had any pre season testing and it was thought they shouldn't be on the grid at all.

So with 7 to lose in quali 1 and as projected we lost both Lotus's, both Virgin's, both HRT's and Jamie Alguersauri in the STR Ferrari. The first leading light so show his hand was Sebastian Vettel with a stunning 1.55.00 but was eclipsed by Fernando on a 54.6 who held that to the flag.

He was followed by Sebastian, Adrian Sutil, Felipe, Lewis, and Mark tied on 55.3 and then Nico and Robert Kubica tied on 55.5. Michael came in with a 55.6 and Jenson on 55.7. It was so close.

So into quali 2 and the ante went up as the remainder targeted quali 3 and with only a second between them. So we were to lose another 5 but no predictions as the remainder fought hammer and tongue.

At the sharp end Sebastian, Felipe, Fernando & Nico swapped places regularly. The times came tumbling down again but Sebastian put in a stunner at 1.53.9 which wasn't headed. He was followed by Fernando on 54.2, Felipe & Mark on 54.3, Lewis & Nico on 54.7 and last on a 55.00 was Adrian again in the Force India.

So the 10 going forward were Sebastian, Fernando, Felipe, Mark, Lewis, Nico, Michael, Jenson, Robert and finally Adrian. Out came the gladiators and with a long lap care had to be taken as to when they went out, came in and when or if tyres were changed. Accepting the tyres used in quali 3 had to go forward to the first part of the race.

Into quali 3 and the times were so close with only 2 secs covering the whole 10. Sebastian put in a 54.1 and that was good enough to give him pole albeit it wasn't as quick as his 53.9 in quali 2. Only a 10th behind on a 54.2 was Felipe, Fernando in the other Ferrari was third on a 54.6 and then Lewis on a 55.2 struggling for pace it seems.

5th was Nico in the leading Mercedes on a 55.2 the same as Lewis and Mark on a 55.3. So the top 6 were covered by only 1.2 secs. It is unusual for us to say that Michael was in the bottom half of the top 10 but he was only 7th on a 55.5 which by his standards will be a blow as Nico, his team mate was up in 5th, interesting.

Jenson was lucky to have got into quali 3 but he improved to 8th from 10th with a 55.7 so on the fourth row but 1.3 secs off the pace. Robert followed Jenson on a 55.9 and 10th was the incredible Adrian on a 56.3. So the gladiators fought and the first leading light is Sebastian following on from winning the last 3 races of the 2009 season.

My disappointment was Kamui Kobayashi didn't progress past quali 2 but we will see what he can do in the race. I am not sure what is meant by BMW Sauber Ferrari as I was under the impression BMW had gone so would this suggest they still have a financial investment. Strange though that BMW would allow their name to be on the team with Ferrari or even vice versa.

It appears some of the teams have an issue with Mclaren and and a duct on the top of the front body panel which as it can be opened or closed by the driver is deemed by some to be a mechanical device barred by the FIA. However, the fitment has been passed by the FIA but is it being suggested complaints may come. Not again boys, lets have a season without controversy for a change.

So, the new season has got off to a flying start in the desert of Bahrain and the new rules don't appear at this stage to be causing any problems. The cars look great which to some was a worry, the new teams are very enthusiastic with better to come hopefully and we can only wait to see how the drivers deal with the new fuel regs.

The new points allocation is also interesting giving a higher boost for the winner of each race. So the points allocation is 25 points for 1st, followed by 18, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, and 1. So, for the first time we have points down to 10th place which gives more drivers to earn points which gives monies from FIA fund management.

So, a good start and let us hope the season gives us as much pleasure as 2009.