2010 F1 Season – What Valencia Testing Tells Us

Formula One used to be shrouded in secrecy as the really competitive teams used to test in different locations. The changing championship has incorporated strict testing rules and most of the big teams now test together and on the same track. With the 2010 season just around the corner, the just completed three day test at Valencia revealed some interesting things.

The single biggest thing that can be taken from Valencia is the prancing horse is back. Yes, Ferrari has topped the time sheets in nearly every session. This was true whether Felipe Massa or Fernando Alonso was behind the wheel. There is always a chance that other teams haven't turned their hottest laps. Even so, it is clear that the Ferrari is going to legitimately challenge for wins and championships again this year.

The second biggest realization is that old guys rule. Michael Schumacher is, of course, back from retirement and behind the wheel of the Mercedes wheel under the auspices of Ross Brawn. The return of Schumi got off to a flying start as he posted the third best time of the session he was in. Perhaps more impressive was the fact he beat Nico Rosberg, his teammate, by nearly half a second when comparing lap times. Not bad for an old guy.

There were two big caveats to the testing results in Valencia. The first is nobody really knows the fuel loads being run by the cars. Since refueling is no longer allowed this year in races, the differences between the weight of the cars could be massive. Sauber, the old BMW team, was very quick, but was also believed to be running very light based on the total laps run in each session.

The second big caveat is the lack of Red Bull at the test. The team has decided to hold off to the next test in Juarez. Many see this as a sign of bad news for the rest of the field. The Red Bull was the best car on the track at the end of the 2009 season and many see it as the favorite in 2010. The fact the team might be holding back as long as possible before showing its car means it may have a lightening fast version. Juarez testing will tell us more.

Despite all the changes in Formula One, the Valencia testing appears to be more of the same compared to 2009. The dominant teams are still dominant and the second runners are still weak.

Mark P. Warner is with FormulaOneResults.com - a blog where you can get Formula One results and all the latest scuttlebutt.