So here we are. The first session of the F1 season is just around the corner, and unusually I'm staying up for it. I am THAT excited. In fact, here are five things that I'm excited about this season...
A prepared McLaren
I think most people hope that someone will stop Red Bull, and with Ferrari seemingly in a little bit of trouble that responsibility has to fall to McLaren. And I'm fairly optimistic about their chances.
Last season they recovered well after a nightmare pre-season, managing to take the fight to Red Bull on a number of occasions. This year, they're far more prepared after a straightforward pre-season. Therefore I'm optimistic that even if they're not quite on the pace of the RB8 around Albert Park, they'll have the ability to keep up with Red Bull throughout the season.
And they've certainly got the drivers for it too. Jenson is driving better than he ever has before, and as such could prove a problem for Vettel if he has the car underneath him. He proved in Suzuka last year that he can beat the German in a straight fight - even if Vettel had a title to wrap up at the time.
As for Lewis, there's no denying his speed. I for one really miss the Lewis of 2007/08, and really hope he's back to his best this year.
Mercedes at the front
After Mercedes took over the championship-winning Brawn team, you'd have been forgiven for thinking they'd have managed better than a distant fourth two years on the trot. But there's optimism that this year they've got the car to mix it right at the sharp end. I really hope that's true - the more cars we have battling for podiums the better.
It'll be great to see whether Schumi can still cut it, going up against the frontrunners of recent seasons. And it will also allow us to see whether Nico Rosberg, now entering his seventh season, can become one of the sport's top drivers and finally get a win under his belt. Again, I hope the guy can.
Lotus revival
Another team surrounded by optimism ahead of the season is Lotus. Despite slight teething troubles they've looked quick in testing - if that means anything. They may not have the resources of the big teams, but they have the know-how and they've been there before under the Renault name. Again, I would love another team to join in the fun at the front.
Last year they made a promising start with podiums at the first couple of rounds, but unfortunately a radical design meant they struggled to develop the car as the year went on. But they did show promise, and that was without a top-line driver following Kubica's injury.
Both of their 2012 drivers may be starting their first GPs since Abu Dhabi 2009 this weekend, but that doesn't mean they're no good. Kimi has come back looking more motivated than ever, while Grosjean gets a well-deserved return following an emphatic GP2 title campaign that I had the priviledge of covering last year. He has come on leaps and bounds, and he wasn't exactly useless to being with despite some people's opinions. I would love him to prove the critics wrong and I think he's capable of doing it.
Force India fight
Force India continue to improve year-on-year, and this year they could defy their size to give one or two of the big teams a run for their money if any of them struggle (no names...Ferrari). What will enable them to do this more than anything is their driver lineup. Di Resta and Hulkenberg may be lacking a little in experience, but both are talented, quick, exciting drivers.
Di Resta shone last year in what was his first season racing a single-seater since 2006, while Hulkenberg came on strong towards the end of his rookie campaign in 2010 before Williams' budget concerns saw him left off the grid. His drive to pole in Brazil still stands out as one of the moments of recent years.
And for both of them there could be a lot at steak. Both are obvious candidates for drives at Mercedes, with McLaren also no doubt keeping an eye on them too. But here's something - what about Ferrari? They may have their eyes on Perez, but what if Sauber have a quiet season while the Force India duo challenge the frontrunners. Di Resta has that Italian heritage, while Nico will no doubt be a driver the Scuderia will have been watching for years - back when he was touted as the new Schumi and managed by Willi Weber.
Red Bull's new blood
At the time I didn't really agree with the decision to drop both Alguersuari and Buemi from Toro Rosso, the former in particular. Yet that move has left us with a tantalising prospect at the Faenza team. Ricciardo and Vergne are both more highly-rated than either of their predecessors, and there's pretty much been nothing to separate them through their junior careers.
The prize at the end? A seat alongside Vettel at the world champions. No pressure boys!
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