Busy Schedule

It has been a busy schedule for Formula 1 recently. This week saw three launch events from the main title rivals: Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren.

First, Ferrari. They revealed their car on Thursday at their Maranello headquarters and have pinned high expectations on it already. Hopeful of releasing a car to take them back to the front of the grid after a dismal 2009 season. The new F10 will be driven by two-time world champion Fernando Alonso and a long awaited return for Felipe Massa. The new car certainly looks more aggressive than last years, but whether that is due to the new regulations or it will help with performance, we will have to wait and see.

The new driver line-up is one of the strongest on the grid, certainly competing with Hamilton and Button at McLaren. Stefano Domenicali, team principal, has predicted that Alonso will win another title during his three-year contract. No mention on Massa's hopes though.

Friday saw the launch of the eagerly awaited McLaren MP4-25 at the Vodafone headquarters in Newbury. After a successful second half to last season, there are a lot of expectations for this team to do well, which they should as they have the current back-to-back world champions. But will it be another Hamilton and Alonso partnership?

While Button may be champion, he faces some stiff competition to hold the crown, coming from team-mate Hamilton and veteran Michael Schumacher. Will the competition between team-mates distract them from what matters? The title.

Finally, Mercedes revealed their livery and the most anticipated driver line-up at the very beginning of the week. Formally Brawn GP, they have retained the higher ranks that lead Brawn to both titles, Ross Brawn and Nick Fry. Similar to the Ferrari and McLaren, a lot of hopes ride on this team.

Having one of the most successful drivers in Formula 1 history, Schumacher, does he have what it takes to win another title at the age of 41? Ross Brawn has said there will be no favouritism amongst drivers.

While the three main competitors have revealed their cars, no one has forgotten about the presence of Red Bull. Having a very strong 2009 season finishing second in both constructors and drivers, will they be the team that the other teams looking over their shoulder?