Tussle in the desert

The first race of the new season at Bahrain puts F1 off to a good start with an exciting new rules qualifying session followed by an even more enthralling race.

The new qualifying system certainly adds to the enjoyment of a race weekend. Split into 3 sessions, the first 15 minute sees the slowest 6 drop into the bottom positions, the second 15 minute session has the next bottom 6 drop into theirs then a final 20 minute session for the top 10 places. My only slight problem with this is that the final 20 minutes is effectively 15 minutes of cars using up fuel to get light cars for a high grid position - not a very environmentally friendly system. But then, some cars are on different strategies so they wont necessarily be running fuel down.

Qualifying finished with Michael Schumacher in pole, Massa 2nd (that Ferrari must be fast) and Jenson Button 3rd. Raikkonen in one of the McLarens started from last place due to a broken suspension in qualifying 1.

Marring this great qualifying was J Kay and his mates down on the pit lane when asked who was to win responded with "Schumacher" or translatable as "I love you Ferrari, I want a new car, let me lick your arse". Well J Kay and his mediocre band can keep supporting Schuey in the hope that a free Ferrari falls out but I want Jenson to win, he's the highest placed British driver and has yet to win a race, 3rd place off the start being a damn good chance. As it happens though, Jenson fluffed it off the start but still ended a respectable 4th.

Of major note is Raikkonen who had a stormer, going from last place to 3rd, pitting once, truly a contender this year for sure.

Oh yes, the ITV Formula 1 credits; theyre fantastic, cheesy James Bond-esque semi-naked ladies with snakes; Coulthard looking 007-alike in his tux; F1 car being fired out of a helmet in profile view whilst the visor opens - great!