Wednesday 11th March 2015

F1 2015 is nearly here!

This weekend sees the start of new F1 season - are you ready?

---

There's much to look forward and many question to be answered in the 2015 F1 season. Can Mercedes continue to dominate? How will Vettel fit in at Ferrari? Can McLaren-Honda reverse its testing woes? The voyage of discovery begins soon!

The 2015 season comprises 20 races, beginning as always at Melbourne this weekend and finishing this year at Abu Dhabi on November 29. This year is notable for the return of Mexico to F1. Last on the Grand Prix calendar in 1992, the 2015 race will take place on November 1 and uses a modified version of the old track.

Lewis Hamilton will of course be out to defend his championship in the second year of the new V6 era. Will he face any rivals outside of Mercedes? Ferrari has been closest in testing...

Melbourne is currently a hive of activity in anticipation ahead of this weekend we're looking forward to our inaugural F1 Wake Up event too.

70 fortunate PHers have bagged themselves a seat for an exclusive live broadcast of the race in the cinema at Mercedes-Benz World, Brooklands. Not only will they enjoy the race on a six-metre screen with surround sound and in comfy seats but our generous hosts are providing a free bacon roll and cup of coffee or tea too! It's going to be a very early start but the above will surely make up for it.

We also have a very knowledgeable host to provide explanations for any strange decisions made by the teams regarding strategy or just to answer any questions that may arise.

There may even be some goodie bags for those in attendance and we'll have a couple of competitions running on social media so keep your eyes peeled across the weekend.

[Images: LAT]

[sunsurfer]

2015 may be the last F1 season for some famous names.
Jenson Button is clearly under threat. Presumably McLaren had clear reasons for nearly terminating the 2009 world champions contract and replacing him with Kevin Magnussen. General journalist consensus is that he will keep Alonso honest. Another possibility is if the Mclaren-Honda is a difficult car he won't show the same "take it by the scruff of the neck" capability as Alonso. End up being comprehensively out qualified and raced and then bye-bye to his F1 career.

I hope not. I like Jenson - impressed with his 2009 championship and even more by signing for McLaren and measuring himself against Lewis Hamilton. But time and fading skills comes to everybody as Coulthard, Barrichello and Schumacher will tell you.

[Ryang94]

jenson has signed a 2 year contract, with definate 2015 but he is able to leave 2016 if he wishes.

[sunsurfer]

Can McLaren drop him for 2016 if they wish?

[Some Gump]

It's F1, contracts mean nothing in F1.

Unless you're swiss =)

[Thunder18]

I'm looking forward to seeing what pace the McHonda has, providing they're able to run at full tilt!!

It'll be interesting for sure, but I thought Williams will still be closest, plus the Redbull seems a bit better this year, kinda looking forward to this boring racing now.....

[anonymous-user]

I live in Melbourne and I heard the cars as I was lying in bed this morning.

Really looking forward to Sunday!

[handyman 1417]

Drove a Brabham BT11a in a support race at Albert Park this morning. Johnny Herbert is driving it tomorrow for a Sky F1 feature this weekend. I'll be playing in it again Saturday and the parade Sunday if he doesn't bend it!

[Cobnapint]

I can hardly not wait.

The only interesting thing for me will be the contest, in equal cars, between JB and Furry Alonso.

[BritishRacinGrin]

MUCH EXCITE!!!

So glad it's back. This season should be intriguing for those with a cerebral intrest in the sport.

[XJSJohn]

BritishRacinGrin said:

MUCH EXCITE!!!

So glad it's back. This season should be intriguing for those with a cerebral intrest in the sport.

and a midday start ... perfect - down the pub and get the beers in with a Som Tam!

[bakerstreet]

Really looking forward to the new season.

I predict that Alonso will out qualify JB and finish higher up in the race too.

Also, we can't expect a huge amount from McLaren, as its their first year with Honda with this engine format, so I think they will still be learning.

[BritishRacinGrin]

XJSJohn said:

and a midday start ... perfect - down the pub and get the beers in with a Som Tam!

bakerstreet said:

I predict that Alonso will out qualify JB and finish higher up in the race too.

I've got some bad news for you sunshine...

[paulyv]

BritishRacinGrin said:

XJSJohn said:

and a midday start ... perfect - down the pub and get the beers in with a Som Tam!

bakerstreet said:

I predict that Alonso will out qualify JB and finish higher up in the race too.

I've got some bad news for you sunshine...

I'll wade in with this one - Magnussen to out qualify JB - wouldn't that be fun?!

[tonyvid]

handyman 1417 said:

Drove a Brabham BT11a in a support race at Albert Park this morning. Johnny Herbert is driving it tomorrow for a Sky F1 feature this weekend. I'll be playing in it again Saturday and the parade Sunday if he doesn't bend it!

That's pretty cool!

[zebedee]

There are too many drivers paying their way to get into F1 for it to be a real show now, OK these guys can drive, but to be the pinnacle of the sport we should have the 20 best drivers in the world. If Max Chilton is really one of them (and don't get me wrong, he is good), why did he feel obliged to pay $8m for his drive, which is what Radio Le Mans said Marussia's accounts showed? And why are Sauber taking money off 3 drivers when they only have 2 cars? And why alienate a big chunk of your audience and potential audience by only having rights on pay per view? OK, football is the same but that is also just about money now, not the best teams, youth systems, coaches etc, just the wealthiest owners. The whole thing is broken, I just hope there is some good racing because there isn't much to like beyond that.

WEC on the other hand...