SEASON 3 PREVIEW ALONG WITH RACES 1 & 2

SEASON 3 FINALLY GETS THE GO AHEAD

The is it on isn't on saga has finally been resolved. After much deliberation post season 2 and the issues surrounding that, plus differences of opinion for season 3, a soloution has been agreed that all drivers approved and so season 3 is just over 1 week away. The biggest change to a new look season is the teams. With drivers pairing up to form their own teams, it's certainly going to add an interesting element in the forthcoming races. Who becomes no1 driver? Who's going to pit first?, add to the mix the new addtions in KERS AND DRS, Pirelli tyres plus the fact you won't want to make a move that's likely to take your team mate out = it's anyone's !
So with 8 teams fighting it out along with 16 drivers, who are going to be the ones to beat?
Last years champion, Bannbino has paried up with Villa John for team Softly Softly catchy monkey. Villa John gave up before the end of season 2 and hasn't had a good pre-season. Bannbino's impressive tally of 26 podiums from 38 races will surely see him battling it out for the drivers title.
Runner up from last season was CheesmanBoi who couldn't secure funding for another season. So 3rd place and most improved driver Hypno85 has teamed up with Satak0 to form Team Bennetton. No doubt Hypno will be up there again challenging for driver honours and with Satak0 improving every race last season could be a contender in the team title. 4th place Adman11 has teamed up with Tempy303 who finished 3rd in season 1 to form The Rucking Funts. The big question is how much of a team player will Adman11 be as he hunts down a first drivers title? The Funts could be a dark horse to match their Ferrari. 5th place from last season was season 1 champion Sheepie UK who has teamed up with his brother Bsheepie to form Scuderia Sheepwash. Bsheepie has often shown early form but only managed 10th last season. In pre-season Bsheepie has certainly been setting the pace but can he carry that into the new season - Sheepie UK is certainly hoping so but could the brotherly love get blown apart with any team orders? 6th place last season was R0ckeye who due to other commitments missed out on several races denying him a higher finish. But he's back and raring to go having teamed up to form Easy Target with Squeak83. So long as this pair turn up for every race, then they are right up there amongst the favourites to take the team title. We have 4 rookie drivers taking part this year. The first two have paired up to form the Back Grid Boys, Azaxir and Snufkinn in the black and gold and if they can sort out any technical issues experienced in pre-season could see them making a challenge. Another, DantheMan has formed up with EagleJay to form Schumacher me sick in the Mercedes. Dan has been using pre-season practise in driving touring and saloon car racing elsewhere and hopes to transfer that into F1. EagleJay has committed to a full season so will be interesting to see how they do. The last team and making a comeback is Spunky UK and Enkidu78 forming up with Bring Back Tyrrell. Transfering to dust carts before the end of season1 Spunky wants more F1 action but will he work out that setting the car up better makes the car go faster? . Nothing has been seen of Enkidu in pre-season but expect them both to be right up for it come the 8th.

So we're in for an exciting season, with some longer 50% endurance races as well there is sure to be plenty of action!

RACE 1 - MELBOURNE - 20%

Previous Winners:

Season 2 Winner = Bannbino
Season 1 Winner = Bsheepie

A great starting circuit with some fast parts but not too many places for overtaking. Drivers will be hoping for a dry race and hopefully avoid any first turn shunts. With the DRS zone being down the start / finish straight this is sure to add some close racing.

Here is a track map overview:

Albert Park Overview

Onboard lap of Melbourne:




RACE 2 - MALAYSIA - 20%

Season 2 Winner = Bannbino
Season 1 Winner = Bannbino

So Bannbino is looking for a hatrick of wins in Malaysia. Last season's race saw a complete downpour with limited visibility but Bannbino come out in front to take the win. Just look at R0ckeye's on board footage for proof - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5mhn201XFs

Malyasia does have a couple of nice long straights for overtaking especially when your in that DRS zone - assuming it's dry and your within a second of the car in front !
Here is a track map overview:





And some on board with Alonso:



So there we go Tuesday the 8th is the first two races and everyone will be hoping for a great start - but there can be only one winner!

CU Next Time........

Excellent previews, as always Bernie! it's got my juices flowing, and no mistake...