The 2008 Formula One season is under way as of today, with Raikkonen and Hamilton going fastest in the Friday practice ahead of this weekend's Australian Grand Prix. Last season was excellent entertainment (although Alonso's antics were infuriating, they certainly added interest) and this season looks set to be another stunner. I'm really looking forward to seeing how Kovalainen gets on alongside Hamilton at McLaren - he's a very highly rated driver (an I certainly concur with that consensus) but he also comes across - like Hamilton and Raikkonen - as being laid back and friendly. So hopefully we're in for a good friendly rivalry this year.
Who will win? Right now I doubt any team will be able to match Ferrari and McLaren on a regular basis, although Renault should improve with Alonso back in the fold, and Honda's season surely can't be any worse than last year, especially with Ross Brawn on board. Williams are always a bit of an unknown quantity but I'm not expecting any surprises from them this year - I reckon they'll be firmly stuck in the midfield.
Speaking of Williams, Patrick Head has made some interesting comments recently, suggesting the idea of the starting grid for a race being set by championship standings (with the leaders at the back) in order to spice things up. Personally I think this is a great idea, but can't see the authorities agreeing to such a radical change, especially as the top teams (with all the political clout that goes with them) would almost certainly oppose it. But even without big changes like that, this year looks set to be a good 'un.
