The start of the Formula 1 2006 Season

The Formula 1 2006 Season begins today at Bahrain and Honda is off to a fast start. After the second practice session, Honda's test driver Anthony Davidson topped the time sheets with a run of 1:31.353.



I have some high expectations for Honda Racing F1 this season. Honda has invested heavily in their F1 programme, brought out Jenson Button's contract with WilliamsF1 to keep him with the team, recruited Rubens Barrichello from Ferrari and produced a great race car in the RA106 for this season. If history is a predictor, when Honda gets fully involved in racing, Honda will win. In pre-season testing, Honda has looked very good and constantly running towards the top of the time sheets. I think Honda will have its maiden victory this season and be a real threat to the constructor's championship.

My predictions for this season...

Driver's Championship

1. Fernando Alonso
2. Jenson Button
3. Michael Schumacher
4. Kimi Raikkonen

Constructor's Championship

1. Honda Racing F1 Team
2. Renault
3. McLaren-Mercedes
4. Ferrari

Alonso is my favorite for the Driver's Championship, however he may have a difficult time, especially as the season progresses because of his premature announcement that he will be switching to McLaren-Mercedes in 2007. At some point, when development begins for 2007, information will become scarce and Alonso will be on a need to know status. This may hinder his chances to repeat. Raikkonen/Montoya and McLaren-Mercedes may become a deeper threat if they can find reliability. I also believe that Schumacher will retire after this season, Raikkonen will move to Ferrari and Montoya will stay at McLaren-Mercedes with Alonso as his teammate for 2007. Finally Honda will win this season and win often.

Photo Source: Honda Racing F1

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