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Formula One pundits and executives agree on one thing ... no-one knows who will win this year's Formula One championship as the sport gets to grip with new rules, new cars and a whole set on new challenges even before the season starts in 11 days time.
The big two - McLaren and Ferrari - face their sternest test for many years as challengers BMW, Red Bull and Renault, to name just three, all fancy their chances of glory on the track.
GulfWeekly's racing reporter Mai Al Khatib spoke to some of these leading followers of F1 to find out their predictions for the season to come.
Martin Whitaker, chief executive officer for Bahrain International Circuit, said: "After the pre-season testing it is difficult to tell who will win in Australia in two weeks time. Ferrari, McLaren, BMW and Toyota have all looked quick but we will not really see where everyone is versus the competition until they get on the level playing field of Albert Park in Melbourne on March 27-29.
"From the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix perspective one thing is clear as we approach our sixth race; that is that we could do with a winner that is neither Ferrari nor Renault! These are the only two teams to have won at the Bahrain International Circuit and it would be good to see a new name on the trophy in 2009.
"As for the winner of the 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship then I have to go with the national interest of Bahrain and hope that McLaren pulls off both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships."
Websites and leading motorsport writers offer a differing view. According to JK Thompson of Motorsports.com: "BMW Sauber is a safe choice for improvement this season. They have displayed a focus and technical capability. They have a skilled driving team, terrific leadership and adequate financial backing."
Chris Balfe, founder of Pitpass.com, said: "At this point in time it would take a very brave man to make any sort of guess especially when testing has been so inconclusive.
"That said, while McLaren has appeared to be off the boil this week, I am sure it will be up there in the early races, as will Ferrari. I think Red Bull will impress, while Brawn has really shocked a few people this week."
Writer Dirk Gibson said on Ezine@rticles.com that fans can expect 2009 to be a very interesting year. "Why? It comes down to a simple fact," he said. "To save money and make passing more plausible, the cars of the 2009 season will look nothing like those of the 2008 season.
"Many of the aero pieces used to create down force are going to be banned. The goal is to give drivers the ability to pass without being hurt by dirty air. Heck, we are even going back to slick tyres.
"My pick for the team to surprise is Renault. Fernando Alonso is many things good and bad, but he is undisputedly a great car developer. Look at how the 2008 Renault developed from a pathetic middle of the pack car to a race winner. Alonso looked particularly optimistic at the closing press conference for the Brazilian Grand Prix, which makes you think Renault could be a serious player again in 2009.
"BMW is also a team to watch, but their fall off at the end of 2008 cannot be dismissed without concern.
"What team could be looking at a bit of a fall down the pecking order? The answer is McLaren.
"Lewis Hamilton can drive the wheels off a car, but the question now is can he develop one? If he can, he could go on a Schumacher like streak of winning. If he cannot, McLaren could fall back."
Hugh Podmore from formula1.net shared his Top Six F1 predictions for the 2009 season. He said:
1. There will be loads of broken front wings. Not my words - the words of Nick 'Quick Nick' Heidfeld.
2. Both Grands Prix in Spain will be dull, processional affairs.
3. Everyone, everywhere, will miss the Canadian GP.
4. Somebody will cut a chicane - cue big argument. Sort it out, FIA boys. Put fire there or something.
5. The dads of Felipe and Lewis will be shown on TV when there's nothing else going on.
6. Nicole Pussycat Doll (Lewis Hamilton's girlfriend, pictured left) will be the main attraction for a lot of cameramen.
GulfWeekly's Mai predicts Bahrain-based Sebastien Buemi of Toro Rosso will win in Australia, Lewis Hamilton will bring smiles to Whitaker by taking the Bahrain leg but the over-all drivers' title will be won by last year's runner-up Felipe Massa with Ferrari bagging the Constructors' Championship.
Do you agree? Write to editor@gulfweekly.com
