Newsletter 01 - Looking forward to the new season

By Huw Alban
March 8 2006

Well fans we’re nearly there. After the long winter wait the 2006 season is just around the corner. For the teams the season began last November when they took to the test track, but for us it all begins this weekend at Bahrain.

This year we've got a lot to take in, and enjoy, for the first race of the season.

Firstly, there are all the technical changes the most major of which is the introduction of V8 engines. Thankfully the reduction in engine power hasn't diminished the noise of the sport, but it's not quite the same as the shrill howl of a V10 in full flight on the Hangar Straight :o(

Second, is the move to allow tyre changes during the race, which will bring interesting pit strategies back into the game of F1. From a TV spectator point of view pit strategy is one of the most interesting aspects to watch being played out.

Thirdly, there are the new qualifying rules, which I have to admit I've still not really got my head around. For me this will be one of the most interesting aspects of the new season, watching and trying to understand how this new format works. It'll be a steep learner for the teams too as they gently work out how to make the best of all the new regulations that come into effect with regard to qualifying.

As ever with a big rule shakeup reliability will be key to success in the early races of the season, more so as the first three races are all fly away giving the teams limited time to continue testing and developing their cars.

For the 2006 season BigPip will be providing visitors to Midland F1 Online with race weekend news and views as they happen. I'll be doing the both the race previews and the post race analysis, and as ever we welcome your own views on what has taken place. We're both looking forward to the new season with a renewed sense of enthusiasm, watching Midland F1 Racing grow as a new team and just perhaps giving their critics something different to talk about.

If you haven't entered the MF1O prediction competition then you'd better get a move on. Go to the rules here first, and then submit your entry form using the link provided on the league page menu. The cut off time to get your Bahrain entry in is the start of 1st practice on Friday morning. Any entries received after this time will loose half the points they should have scored if the entry was on time. Get predicting and good luck!

Have a good Bahrain everybody!

Huw