F1 Bahrain
With pre-season testing already completed we are only a pit stop away from the start of the F1 season. This year Bahrain has been chosen to replace Australia as the opening venue in a much anticipated season. There is a buzz of excitement around the return of racing legend Michael Schumacher and the pairing of two British world champions, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, in the same team.
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Australia lost out this year because F1 boss, Bernie Ecclestone, wanted a better time slot for European audiences. Organisers are hoping to attract a big crowd after 94,000 descended on the desert circuit last year.
It's the seventh time that the Kingdom has hosted a F1 race and this year promises to be the grandest yet. The venue boasts a string of awards and is the area's biggest sporting and business event. There will be 28 cars from 14 teams competing in this the 60th anniversary of the FIA Formula One World Championship.
There are new teams and drivers too. Mercedes GP have entered the fray following a takeover of Brawn GP and there are newcomers Virgin Racing, Campos Meta 1, US Team F1 and Lotus to add to the grid. All welcome additions after the withdrawal of Toyota and BMW.
Some rule modifications will see a lift on the ban on in-season testing, the end of Kers and the finish of in race refuelling. It could be the dawning of a new era for F1 and the excitement all starts on the 12th - 14th March 2010.
Who do you think will be this year's Grand Prix champion?
