[Acciblyfluila]

So with one day of testing to go here is how I rank them


1. Mclaren
Well I'm biased, but that aside, I think their car is fast, reliable and probably overall the best car. They have managed to not show their true hand yet. Hamilton will push that car well and Button will keep him more than honest.

2. Ferrari
A very very strong car, but I have some small lingering questions as to reliability and fuel consumption. I think their engine is a beast and they have alonso who, despite my personal dislike is still going to get more out of that car than others would.

3. RBR
TBH before testing, or seeing the cars, this was my odds on favorite for top team, but I think they have some issues with the car and clearly the other teams (especially the top 2) have caught up. That being said, I think RBR is right there with the other top 2 and will probably fight for the WCC and top step in all races.

4.Mercedes
just half a step below. MSC and Rosberg are a strong pair. The car really is quite good but I think they were slightly conservative with their development. I expect an ever improving car over the season and perhaps a few victories as well. To me they are a bit of a mystery. Either they are going to be really really good, or they will be a solid topish team like BMW in 2007-2008.

5. Force India
Challengers with the occasional podium and capable of maybe a race win. Superior engine, close partnership with Mclaren, a driver who should now be coming into his own in sutil. I expect force India to be constantly in Q3 and running solidly in the points. I think liuzzi is decent but he will be hampered by the shadow of Di Resta all year which is really not a good thing.

6. Sauber
1 of 2 genuine dark horses of the year. I must admit to eating some crow with regard to PDLR. He's far from washed up. Kobayashi is just plain fast and aggressive. The Ferrari engines work well with this chassis and the BMW development of this car makes it a solid competitor that will take some bites at the podium and prove a challenge to the top teams, especially in trying to overtake them. They will be very strong in qualy.

7. STR
Solid mid pack with a good engine and one strong up and coming driver in Buemi. Not sure Jaime lasts the season ( look for a surprise move of perhaps grosjean) I think that the STR will be quick right off the bat, but will have a mid season lull as developments will not be as prolific as others.

8. Williams
A slight edge to williams over renault. Nico will surprise a few people and Williams will be lucky to hold on to him for more than a year. i honestly see him ending up with mercedes latest 2012 for the Nico/Nico team. Rubens will acquit him self admirably and the team will do fairly well in qualy as well.

9. Renault
What can i say. things will dependent how motivate Kubica will be. The car is obviously in need of improvements but a dependable engine and a god driver should see them score some points, but not do too much this year. I hope I'm wrong.

10. Stefan GP
The other genuine dark horse. I place them in 10th because until I see the cars running and the driver lineup, I can't really rank them higher. But I do think that if they have those Toyota 2010 cars, Toyota support, and a solid organization, these guys could shoot right up to 5th or 6th. It will just take them a few races to get into their element because of the lack of testing. but once they do I fully expect them to be fighting with Sauber & Force India for points.

11. Lotus
Reliable but not as fast as Virgin. Their advantage, 2 solid drivers and a knowledgeable staff. But in general will be running in the back in their own personal battle with Virgin. Still interesting though. Makes you wish for more TV options to just view that battle.

12. Virgin
faster but not as reliable as Lotus. Reliability is the key here for Virgin. and they seem to have plenty of glitches and pesky issues with the car. But if all goes well i think that both Glock and DiGrassi will initially put some distance between them and the lotus, only to be reeled in later in the race. Qualy might be the key here and they will surely do better.

13. Campos
I think they will be racing in 2010 but might not show up in Bahrain. To me they will clearly be last on the gird and probably be occasionally 2 laps down in races. But I just want to see the cars on the grid to add some variety and spice to the season.


No predictions as to WDC too close to call IMO