With the exception of Spyker and Williams, all the teams are testing in Bahrain. With less than a month remaining until true combat, things are turning very serious. Lap times are getting much closer, and teams are starting to show their true potential.
Looking at some of the quickest times, Massa has been quickest so far with 01:31.778. But the 9th quickest, Barrichello, at 01:32.920 isn't that far behind. And he did 100 laps. Yup, that's a lot of testing, a very heavy schedule.
Usually I pay little heed in pre-season test times, because of so many variables. Some teams never put on all the go-fast parts until race day. Some teams use radical setups, low fuel, and FIA-illegal parts to post headline-grabbing times just for the media attention.
But this time, I think that the teams are getting serious and not playing games. With the retirement of Michael Schumacher and the migration of Alonso, so much is uncertain concerning who will capture the title.
Ferrari are hurting after the last two years, and really want to get back on top of the mountain. Renault want to prove they can win without Alonso. McLaren want to prove they can win with him. BMW, after their first year operating independantly, want to build on a very successful year and climb the next rung of the ladder to being serious contenders. Honda and Jenson Button, after doing so well in the last half of last year, believe they are there, ready to win the title. Reb Bull have almost all the pieces in place now. Maybe Coulthard and Webber are capable, but all they need are a little more seasoning and a top driver to take the Newey-designed car to the top. SA, with basically last year's Honda, are going to surprise a lot of people and display an amazing improvement. Williams just cannot afford a repeat of last year. A poor showing could seriously damage the very company, with devastating effects. Spyker, even though adopting a neglected team, appear very serious and do not intend to be considered laughable. STR are still the number two team to Red Bull, I have no idea what will come of them. That leaves Toyota. Three years ago I thought that '07 was going to be their year, when they became true contenders and had a top car and team. I'm sure glad I'm not a betting man, I have absolutely no idea where they are and which direction they are going. I wonder if the people running the show know either. Only time will tell for that team. I do believe that supplying engines to Williams was a good decision, but that allowing Ralf to race for them is absurd. Look it up in the dictionary under "waste of money". There's a picture of Ralf in a Toyota uniform.
Back to the topic, Bahrain has become very interesting, and we're starting to see some very serious action.
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