| Formula One used to be shrouded in secrecy as the | | | | teammate, by nearly half a second when comparing |
| really competitive teams used to test in different | | | | lap times. Not bad for an old guy. |
| locations. The changing championship has incorporated | | | | There were two big caveats to the testing results in |
| strict testing rules and most of the big teams now test | | | | Valencia. The first is nobody really knows the fuel |
| together and on the same track. With the 2010 season | | | | loads being run by the cars. Since refueling is no longer |
| just around the corner, the just completed three day | | | | allowed this year in races, the differences between |
| test at Valencia revealed some interesting things. | | | | the weight of the cars could be massive. Sauber, the |
| The single biggest thing that can be taken from | | | | old BMW team, was very quick, but was also believed |
| Valencia is the prancing horse is back. Yes, Ferrari has | | | | to be running very light based on the total laps run in |
| topped the time sheets in nearly every session. This | | | | each session. |
| was true whether Felipe Massa or Fernando Alonso | | | | The second big caveat is the lack of Red Bull at the |
| was behind the wheel. There is always a chance that | | | | test. The team has decided to hold off to the next test |
| other teams haven't turned their hottest laps. Even so, | | | | in Juarez. Many see this as a sign of bad news for the |
| it is clear that the Ferrari is going to legitimately | | | | rest of the field. The Red Bull was the best car on the |
| challenge for wins and championships again this year. | | | | track at the end of the 2009 season and many see it |
| The second biggest realization is that old guys rule. | | | | as the favorite in 2010. The fact the team might be |
| Michael Schumacher is, of course, back from | | | | holding back as long as possible before showing its car |
| retirement and behind the wheel of the Mercedes | | | | means it may have a lightening fast version. Juarez |
| wheel under the auspices of Ross Brawn. The return | | | | testing will tell us more. Despite all the changes in |
| of Schumi got off to a flying start as he posted the | | | | Formula One, the Valencia testing appears to be more |
| third best time of the session he was in. Perhaps more | | | | of the same compared to 2009. The dominant teams |
| impressive was the fact he beat Nico Rosberg, his | | | | are still dominant and the second runners are still weak. |