SPORTS SPECIAL 3
F1 SEASON PREVIEW
WRITTEN BY SEB JENKINS
1) Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 1:33.278
2) Valtteri Bottas (Williams) 1:33.987
3) Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) 1:34.280
4) Nico Hulkenberg (Force India) 1:35.577
5) Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso) 1:35.701
6) Adrian Sutil (Sauber) 1:36.467
Final testing in Bahrain has come to a conclusion, mapping out what could be in store for this new season. Hamilton finished fastest as Mercedes cement their position as favourites for the title, with Red Bulls’ struggles continuing.
Early signs indicate that it will be a fight at the top between Hamilton, Rosberg, Alonso and Vettel in the out of form Red Bull. Valtteri Bottas & Maldonado could be ones to look out for after Williams impressive performance in Bahrain, finishing just behind Lewis Hamilton. Mercedes seem to have upped their game for this season with their new car looking sharp and ready for the season which edges ever closer. Mclaren & Force India don't look too far off the pace either. In contrast to this, the Red Bull car looks quite far off race pace and could struggle early on this year as the likes of Ferrari and Mercedes pull ahead in the constructors’ championship. Lotus also look far away from getting the best out of their car as they suffered two breakdowns and retired early from Bahrain.
The 2014 F1 Season begins in Melbourne on March 13th - 16th, live on SKY Sports F1
New Rules
-The 2.4-litre naturally aspirated V8s have been replaced by 1.6-litre V6 turbos.
-New noses- It's been lowered by 415mm for safety reasons, to just 135mm above the floor of the car; coupled with a complicated set of dimensional requirements.
-Double points on the last race of the season.