Some pointers for this race (listing contenders for win).
Fuel Consumption: I guess, now teams have a fair idea of their individual fuel requirements.
Merc, On a track which has the reputation of high fuel consumption (Melbourne), Mercs have come out a happy team.
Red Bull, with Ricciardo's episode, have a lot to think, which might put them on a bothering spot for this race.
Williams, similar to Merc, atleast from Bottas' charge, doesn't look like have problems on fuel part.
McLaren, again with Merc engine, they seem to be in a good place. Doesn't look as good as Williams in this aspect as understandbly, Bottas was charging through the field with lots of overtaking moves, means he was using more fuel and was still not having issues.
Ferrari, Sobre, absolutely Sobre, looks like their only target was to finish the GP with both cars on track. Extremely conservative running for both cars, not attempting aggressive drives. Look like they were justifying the rumours of fuel in-efficiency.
Performance: Too early, but some fair idea.
Merc, DOMINANT. It would have been an embarrassing situation for all teams and for Formula 1, had Lewis been there in picture too, could have easily finished few more seconds faster than Nico. They would continue to concentrate on adding performance for this race.
Red Bull, Real Challengers or will they be on back foot due to fuel and Seb's engine issues?
McLaren, Look decent on long runs without anyone else troubling them. They will continue to search more performance.
Ferrari, Oh My God, how long would they want to Sandbag?
On the face of it, Alonso must be a dejected man to be handed over another dog. Kimi would be more happier, looking at what is going on at Lotus.
Williams, the real challengers for Mercs. Need to sort out Qualifying issues, otherwise will get lost in mid-field battle.
Reliability:
Merc, continued with their reliability issues. Lewis is the one enduring all the problem, from testing to race. Good thing is, they continue to make statements that their issues are known and can be fixed.
Red Bull, Looking at what happened to Seb, they will continue to slog to rectify problems. Doesn't look ready to challenge for wins yet.
McLaren, solid realiability.
Williams, they should be watching out for backmarkers, screwing them from behind.
Ferrari, absolutely reliable, can be good pick up trucks.
Fernando would be thinking of advancing his talks with McLaren.
Predictions for this race: Merc (Lewis, if he is lucky) for pole and win. Williams - THE ONLY CHALLENGER, unless Red bull surprises for second GP in the running.
On a side note, is it me or anyone else feels that, while watching a car on board, it doesn't feel like anyone is running full power or even close to attack. May be engine is quieter, but still doesn't sound full on. Without being on full power, there is so much lack of grip. If someone can find a silver bullet producing loads of downforce, they can kill the competition with full power.
Raikkonen
