Bahrain Predictions

Vettel has a good chance in Bahrain

We are now painfully close to the opening round of the 2010 F1 season, the wait has been long and anticipation sky high. I’ve so been looking forward to this one, and now that we’re this close I think it’s safe to make some predictions for the Bahrain GP. In truth it’s always been safe to make predictions, I’ve got access to the backend of our site so if I get it hopelessly wrong I can easily just edit this column after the race and proclaim innocence. That’s what our government would do, so I’d only be following the example set by our illustrious leaders, but I digress.

Based on absolutely no hard evidence whatsoever or any unquestionable premises; I’m picking Vettel, Alonso and Hamilton for the podium on Sunday, in that order. As much as it pains me to actually have thoughts of Hamilton achieving any form of success on the F1 track in any way, that McLaren has looked effective enough during winter testing. I’ve picked those three because they are each the best driver at the three fastest teams from winter testing. I know, it is impossible to definitively glean information from winter testing, what with the unknown fuel loads, incomplete setups and aero packages, not to mention the drivers themselves partaking in some good old fashioned bluffing.

If I had it my way Hamilton would be replaced by the infallible ( Yes that’s the regard in which I hold him) Schumacher, the reality however is that the Mercedes just hasn’t been on the pace up front. Sure there have been rumours of a Ross Brawn ‘Super Diffuser’ to be unveiled on the weekend, but really they are just rumours. I think Brawn has become a sort of modern day Rommel, his spectacular and deserved successes have led his competitors to hold him in an almost superhuman regard. And whilst it may almost be true, he doesn’t have an answer for everything. So just because he’s off the pace doesn’t mean he has a plan, the car could just be rubbish. Norbert Haug seems to think so, he doesn’t believe the Mercedes will be on the podium in the opening rounds, although once again that could just be smoke and mirrors.

Anyway, back to my original idea for this column, who will win and why. The Red Bull’s have put in some good times, and this year I expect to see a far more focussed Red Bull outfit. It stands to reason then if they have the raw pace of last year but more focus, Vettel is a sure bet. Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz has already been making demands for no less than a World Title for one of his drivers, and if he’s serious about that and thus forces Horner to back Vettel there’s a good chance he won’t be disappointed. The simple fact is that had Webber played more of a ‘Barrichello’ role during 2009, Vettel would be World Champion.

2010 could be the year Alonso returns to the front

I’ve put Alonso on my list simply because the Ferrari has looked the fastest so far this year, and he’s a double World Champion. If I were a bookie I’d probably give him the best odds, but that doesn’t take into account the ability of Vettel to just randomly switch on one weekend and not put one wheel wrong, at all. I refer you to any one of his admittedly limited victories, when he’s out front he doesn’t just win, he dominates.

Last but not least, no wait, that doesn’t sound right. I can’t stand Hamilton, but nevertheless it does seem like both of F1’s superpowers are back on form, and Hamilton as one of said superpowers premier drivers should be there.

On a little side note I also predict Button to be well and truly defeated through the course of the season, no reason in particular, he’s just a chop that’s all.