Welcome back to another edition of the Slipstream. So here we are race fans, in just a few short hours the 2009 F1 season will roll off and the carbon fiber encased chariots will embark on another world wide battle for the world championship.
An assignment was passed across my desk to ask and then answer the ten questions that will define the 2009 season. So here they are, the ten questions that are flying around the cyclone of cynicism this week.
10) Is a sport like Formula 1 still relevant after the fiscal crisis that has befallen the planet?
-If this was 10 years ago, I would have answered a very definite no, but with the new rules package, I can say with confidence yes it is.
These new cars do not just represent a paradigm shift in competition adjustment, but they represent a clear path towards relevancy in a world that is more interested in cost cutting while maximising large investments.
The KERS system represents true innovation with legitimate applications to the road cars of the 21st Century. Yes, I know paddle shifters and advanced synthetic motor oil have come out of F1 and been put into road cars, but the KERS is true technological and importantly marketing gold.
Slimmer, sleeker cars mated with the most radical piece of technology since the introduction of ground effects in the KERS system make the FIA Formula One Grand Prix Championship the new model for global compeition and corporate involvement.
9) Will the new rules help or hurt the sport?
-If the pre-season testing numbers were indications of something strange going on in the sport, the practice sessions in Melbourne prove those numbers to be just previews of a season where anything really is possible.
Without a doubt, these new rules will bring in more attention, along with better competition and variety on the podium since every race is a true test session with points on the line.
Gone are the days of Ferrari and McLaren taking the lions share of the races, leaving the rest of the factory teams to pick up on the Big Two's mistakes.
We are now looking at a legitimate new era in F1 and as I have said before, I had my doubts, but after seeing the cars in motion with each other, I don't have any issues with the new rules, even the winner take all title format for 2010.
8) What will be the major news stories of 2009?
-Fernando Alonso being announced as a Ferrari driver in 2011 will be one of the large mid to late season news stories. The clues have been in place for some time, with the major one being Banco Santander moving from McLaren to Ferrari.
Alonso will be replacing Raikkonen, with the Finn's future probably leaning towards full on retirement with the Scuderia. Rumors will swirl around Robert Kubica as his contract with BMW draws to a close. I am sure a certain Woking based team will take a good look at him or Nico Rosberg to partner Lewis Hamilton for 2010.
As mentioned in other articles but one I am in full agreement with, is that there is going to be a full on purge of drivers during this season.
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