Unlike the beginning of the 2003 season we can now compare apples to apples since all the teams have released their 2004 competitors and I was wondering how the more technically minded here on the list think each will fare given their development from last year. Where do you think the teams have improved and how much?
I see it as such...
Ferrari - Obviously King of the hill. With an excellent aerodynamic package and their fantastic reliability, it seems that they once again will be the main compeitiors for the title. Don;t let the lack of external differences at the launch fool you, this monster is going to be tough. Great Chassis, Great Engine
Williams - The new 'walrus' nose could go either way I think. Could be a new direction in aero dev for F1, or it could be a total waste. True they've been fast, but testing in the pre-season rarely has anything to do with in season performance. Great Chassis? Best Engine
McLaren - Even with the most time since their car has been lanched, they seem to be beset with problems. First the car was unreliable (Mp4-18A), now with a year's worth of RD they have improved on that, but problems fitting the drivers into the cars, combined with the problems from mounting the new merc engine could spell trouble. Average Chassis, Good Engine.
Renault - Pace good in the pre-season, but I think they're going to suffer in engine development as the season goes on. 72 degree is too far behind the times to keep up with 90 degree tech. Great (Possibly Best) Chassis, Moderate engine (expecially as the season progresses)
BAR - Superb pace in the pre-season leads me to belive this is all smoke and mirrors. Dave richards is most likely trying to pump up buttons value to sell him to FW when the season comes to an end. I see another Honda protege taking the second seat beside Sato next year. Eevn with the switch to michelins, I just can't see how BAR has made such a massive improvement to be topping the timesheets. Good Chassis? Good Engine?
Sauber - Since this year's sauber is 75% last years ferrari plus the 04 ferrari engine, I expect excellent prefomrnace from the Sauber crew. But I imagine the Fisi will suffer sense all the ferrari weight is obviously behind Massa (not sure why though). I imagine Fisi will finsih his 2 years there and retire. Good Chassis, Great Engine
Jaguar - Well, what can you say about Jaguar. MW is too damn good to be in this team. They almost ruined pixxonia's career and look likely to do that to christian kline. Poor chassis mated with moderate engine, definetly back half of the grid.
Jordan - I sure hope that the EJ14 has made all the progress that the jordan team says it has. But they say that every year. I sadly see this season as the last one where EJ is the majority owner. He simply can't fight the big boys anymore. Privateers are dying in this climate and his double pay-driver scheme certainly won;t help his credibility in hiring good staff. Modearete (at best) chassis with moderate engine. No good...
Toyota - You'd figure with all the money toyota has poured in over the last 4 years they'd be highed on the grid than they have been, but it takes time. The toyota engine should be strong, but the chassis will be pretty average I think. Wait until next season I think to see the real pace begin.
Average Chassis, Good engine. Can't wait to see.
Minardi - Nothing much to say. Worst Chassis, SHittiest customer engine deal available. I love them for their spirit, but they will never make it past the 9th row without a miracle. Poor Chassis, Poor Engine.
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