Fast cars

BS tells you what we think will happen when the best go head to head this Formula 1 season.

Expect the unexpected. Even if you didn't subscribe to this idea in Formula 1 then seeing the events of 2007 season, you would do it now. No one backed a rookie to take the grid by storm and have the entire motor sport fraternity scratching their heads at the marvellous season.

Full credit to Lewis Hamilton and McLaren but in the end all the 22-year-old driver Hamilton won was "" hearts. And it was Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari who drove all the way to the championship, even after having no more than an outside chance till the last race of the season. So how will this season unfold? Let's look at the teams and how they stack up against their rivals.

THE CONTENDERS

FERRARI
It won't be unfair to say that Ferrari go each season as favourites. Having drivers like Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa also enhances those claims. With a new car and a better engine, Ferrari would be looking to start better than last season.

Last year, the constructors title was given to them after a scandal that found arch-rivals McLaren guilty of spying on their data. They have been extremely good in the test runs and could take their rivals apart.

Both the drivers have a lot of experience and Raikkonen would be looking to add to his driver's championship. And even though bookies and experts might have Raikkonen as favourite, his teammate Massa cannot be counted out.

MCLAREN
He almost created history in his first season. But now with more eyes on him, and more pressure, it will be interesting to see how McLaren's young driver Lewis Hamilton performs. He has shown that he has what it takes to become the World Champion after coming so close last season.

McLaren as a team will be looking to get one over their arch rivals Ferrari, but they will need more than Hamilton's driving brilliance. They have worked on providing a better car to their drivers.

To be fair, it has to be said that it was just inexperience which cost Hamilton the title last season. He and Team McLaren would be looking to go one step better this time. And of course, no more spying scandals please!

RENAULT
The prodigal son has returned for them. Double champion Fernando Alonso after a brief and unhappy spell is back with the team where he became the champion. It would be a master-stroke from team chief Flavio Briatore as, last season, Renault had a competitive car and clearly missed Alonso.

But will Alonso be able to pick up from where he left off two years ago? It will be interesting to see how he performs in an inferior car compared to McLaren. Watch out for Nelson Piquet, Alonso's teammate. He could be the rookie of the season if he is half the driver his father, who went by the same name, was!

THE PRETENDERS

TOYOTA
In Jarno Trulli, they have an extremely talented driver but somehow they have always under-achieved. Toyota's performance over the years has been consistently improving "" barring last season, when they were disappointing.

They have one of the best technical teams around and have the financial backing to improve their cars. Though they might not win the title, they surely can upset the apple cart.

WILLIAMS
They have impressed everyone so far in the test runs and would be keen to carry that form into the season as well. Nico Rosberg over the last two seasons has shown that he has the pedigree to compete with the best.

He is more experienced and had a decent campaign last time around. And of course, with Frank Williams at the helm of team affairs, you can always expect them to spring a surprise or two. Williams have improved their car and will be looking to better their performances.

HONDA
They have roped in former Ferrari man Ross Brawn as team principal. That won't be enough. Although Brawn brings a lot of championship-winning experience, Honda will struggle to reap the fruits, at least this season.

Jenson Button has always flattered to deceive but remains a threat because of his ability behind the wheel. While he might not do as well as his fellow Brit, he can notch up a few podium finishes.

BS PREDICTS

Drivers' Standings:
1. Kimi Raikkonen
2. Fernando Alonso
3. Felipe Massa
Constructors' Title: Ferrari
Best Rookie: Nelson Piquet