AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2000

So here we are again. The winter break firmly in the past, the Formula 1 bandwagon rolls on as another Melbourne starts the proceedings. Mika Hakkinen or Michael Schumacher I hear you ask, well I think it will be Schumacher but as we know by now Hakkinen is no slouch, fresh from a second reign as world champion. Hakkinen is the favourite, armed again with his trusty sidekick David Coulthard for support, Adrian Newey in the pits and of course the commander Ron Dennis still at the helm. Things look good for McLaren and their new MP4/15. Schumacher may be the best driver but McLaren are arguably the best team.

Ferrari this season employ the undoubtable talents of one Rubens Barrichello, who in the past has been criticised of not being "tough enough" in his driving. Irvine has said it and now I'm going to say it, "I think Schumacher will outdrive him and crush him mentally". Barrichello as you all know drove for the Stewart (now Jaguar) team last season to which one Eddie Irvine has taken up home, teamed up with Johnny Herbert, Ford £££££££ and too much hype if you ask me. The Jaguar racing team should be competitive though. Jaguar will of course be trying to compete with Jordan for that elusive 3rd spot they achieved in last year's championship. Jordan keeps their "customer" Honda engines this season and with Jarno Trulli as a better combatant than Hill, this season should land more than the odd win for Frentzen and company.

Well what can I say about Williams that hasn't already been said with the youngest British driver of all time joining their fray in the form of Jenson Button. He will of course be slow to adjust to the pressure and commitment F1 demands but along with that he will have to wait along with Ralf Schumacher for that BMW engine to achieve its maximum potential which could be mid to late season. BAR, with all their bragging about winning in their first season came last on the scoreboard last year, but this year there will be no excuse with all their money and factory Honda engines, podiums should be on the cards from their two drivers Villeneuve and Zonta. Podiums will be in short supply at Benetton who again race with Supertec engines and the same driver line up of Fisachella and Wurz. The talent is present with these two but they need a manufacturer deal for an engine, expect mid grid positions with a podium the highlight of the year if they get one.

Prost this season sees an all-new driver line up of Jean Alesi and newcomer Nick Heidfeld. Heidfeld is very highly rated by Mercedes and test-drove for them last season, rumour has it that Alain Prost is trying for Mercedes next season and maybe a swap in the near future to regain Heidfeld to replace Coulthard is on the cards. Expect another stagnant year for Prost despite new blood. Sauber this season have Diniz and Salo who showed he had speed when he drove for Ferrari last season. Diniz and Salo will be close to eachother but no one else except Prost and Benetton.

Arrows has new Supertec engines and along with De La Rosa and Verstappen should do better than last season which was a joke. A new 70 million Orange sponsorship deal should help things. We are left with Minardi, which bring in another new boy in Brazilian Gaston Mezzacane, which in turn brings in some sponsorship. Marc Gene has talent but he is not going anywhere with that customer Ford engine behind him. Despite this Giancarlo Minardi's little team achieved more last season than money rich BAR.

I think Schumacher will obtain his 3rd world title but McLaren will win the crown they missed out on last season - the constructors. Expect great things from Jordan who will battle with Jaguar and Williams. Button will never beat Ralf but should push him if he settles, which is what Frank Williams is hoping for. Ferrari as I said hopefully will deliver the goods with Schumacher but the Barrichello-Coulthard battle should be good as will Irvine's first season as a number 1. Don't blink as you might miss some action in what promises to be one of the best seasons for years.

Kevin Byrne's view