FORMULA ONE 2010: BAHRAIN GP

The 2010 Formula One Season starts it off at Bahrain. It looks a blazing race with desert climate overhaul the challenge with heat and sand. Sakhir International Circuit will open this season with what many would expect a rather competitive season. Indeed, analysts after the pre-season testing suggested that the top four team will stand a chance of snatching a piece of pie: Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes GP and Red Bull.

THE PREVIEW

SAKHIR
Laps: 49
Circuit Length: 6.299 km
Race Distance: 308.405 km
Lap Record: Fernando Alonso (2010 - Ferrari) 1:58.287

The new track layout is a modification from previous layout, adding in extra corners on second intermediate stint. Let's listen to what expert would say about the track. Taken from Automobile TV on Youtube.

THE RESULT

Catch the report exclusively from BBC Sports
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8566770.stm

Here are the classification after the race that spun over 49 laps:

THE REVIEW

1. The highest ranked debutant driver and the only who finished the race was Nico Hulkenberg of Williams. The other four debutants all retired.
2. The new circuit layout with extra long second stint with most of the drivers lapping in about 64 seconds on this section.
3. From the three new teams that make their debut on this race, only Lotus Cosworth finished the race (both drivers sailed through). Both from HRT and Virgin Racing all retired.
4. Fernando Alonso's win was made possible only by Vettel's exhaust problem. Other wise, the German has been constantly ahead.
5. It was a heartbreaking truth to be swallowed by Red Bull Racing.
6. Ferrari claimed the first one-two of the season and it seems interesting to see how the rest of the season unfolds.

Next race is in Australia in a fortnight time.