Since the Michael Schumacher/Ferrari dynasty’s defeat in 2005 at the hands of Fernando Alonso and his Renault team of Anglo-Gallic conquerors, Formula One has also changed their formula to include a new V8, a change in the one-tire-per-race rule, and a new aerodynamic package. This means that the title’s are in anyone’s hands. Except Minardi. So, here’s the rundown of the loveable international circus of conspicuous consumption and Eurotrash quasi-aristocrats we all know and love, the Formula 1 Championship.

Renault:
Can Alonso and Fisi re-claim their 2006 glory? This year Renault is a mixed bag. The constant threat of having their plug pulled by the Renault brass, plus Alonso's departure to arch-rival McLaren in 2007 could mean a serious lack of motivation for the squad. Considering their heart and drive to win was what pushed them to win last year, a deficit of it could send them back to the mid-field just like in the latter Benneton era. However reports of a stormingly powerful V8 engine and child-prodigy test driver Heiki Kovalinen(who beat Michael Schumacher to win the Race of Champions in 2004) could spell good things for the Boys in yellow and Blue)

McLaren: Raikonen and Montoya at it again, this time with a blinged-out Chrome ride. The one-tire per race rule that killed Kimi's hopes for a championship last year has been abolished. It would be advantageous for Kimi to end his McLaren era with a championship before he leaves for Ferrari, and Montoya is certainly fighting to keep his own seat(McLaren boss Ron Dennis in anxious to put Lewis Hamilton, the first black F1 driver in the cockpit), but if Mercedes engine's continue to be as unreliable as their road cars, McLaren may be the runner-up for the second time.

Ferrari: Ferrari turned in what can only be called a shitty performance last year, with their sole race win stemming from the pathetic farce of a USGP at Indianapolis. Beating Minardi and Jordan is like challenging Christopher Reeves to an arm wrestle. With the addition of Felipe Massa, who, unlike former Ferrari pilot Rubens Barrichello is not a proven podium finisher, another lacklustre car designed by Aldo Costa (who penned last year's lame duck F2005) and strong showings in testing by Honda, Renault and the new BMW Sauber team mean that Ferrari will have to up their game significantly or else the tifoso will be a forza to be reckoned with.

Toyota: Jarno Trulli and Ralf Schumacher are both mid-pack drivers who have occasional flashes of brilliance (think back to Jarno's heroic 2004 Monaco win as the most recent example) driving a by-all-means-decent car and backed by a nearly endless supply of money. However Toyota has been caught cheating red handed (and not the first time, either) and Jarno and Ralf have been known to lose focus unless they are leading the race. With the increasingly tough competition, expect another mid-pack showing for Toyota.

Williams Cosworth: Williams has been plagued recently by an underwhelming chassis and an overwhelming powerplant. This years historic mating of Williams with Cosworth looks to be more of the same. The Cosworth TJ V10 was arguably one of the best motors on last years grid, and Cosworth has spent more time than anyone doing R&D work on their new V8. However Williams aero and chassis men must hold up their end of the bargin. Frank Williams reluctance to spend cash on drivers means Williams is led by the hot-tempered and immature Mark Webber and Nico Rosberg, son of the great foul-mouthed Finnish champion Keke Rosberg.

Honda F1: With the most powerful V8 on the grid, two experienced drivers (Reubens Barrichello and Jenson Button) and Honda's legendary drive to win as well as a team of engineers who helped Ayrton Senna on his incredible drive to win 3 F1 Championships, Honda will be one of this year's strongest contenders. Button could finally net a race win, and for the first time ever, Reubens has a legit shot at an F1 crown. As long as Honda can keep their reliability in check, it should be smooth sailing for Tochigi's finest.

Red Bull Ferrari: Legandary McLaren chassis designer Adrian Newey and Ferrari both signed on to Red Bull for 2006. Unfortunately Newey did not get to design this years car, but if his mid-season improvements are anything like his work at McLaren Red Bull could be headed to their first win. However Ferrari may turn down the power in an effort to keep their "junior" team from embarassing them.

BMW Sauber: BMW Motorsport accquired Peter Sauber's team, bringing with it a solid powerplant and the experience of Jacques Villeneuve and Nick Heidfeld. While this young team may not win races, expect them to handle the learning curve fast. Both drivers still have plent of life left in them, and BMW's deep pockets will help create a quality machine.

Midland F1: The former Jordan team is now called Midland and powered by Toyota, with financial backing by Russian born Canada steel magnate Alex Schnaider. Expect Midland to challenge for the last few grid positions.

Squada Torro Rosso: Minardi, everyone's favorite losers are re-branded as "Torro Rosso" (Italian for Red Bull) after being bought by the Red Bull Squad as a driver development team. They are running restricted V10s and will be sporting upcoming American racer Scott Speed as a driver. We can only hope he follows in the steps of Mario and not Michael Andretti.

Super Aguri: A last minute entry run by Aguri Suzuki, a prolific Japanese race driver, and backed by Honda, they are using a four year old chassis and an inferior V10, yet have only been 5 seconds behind in testing. Takuma Sato, known as the "farmer" for his agricultural expeditions during races, and Yuji Ide, a rookie make up their lineup.

 

Kimi looks strong, I think if his car holds together he'll be the man to beat.