what to be excited about in 2006

[F1 Junkie]

Is it just me or does it seem that the 2006 off season has been more quiet than previous years?

I guess the teams are keeping a lower profile since everyhting is so unsure with new engines and rules etc.

Personally I have been less focused mainly due to the olymics. I am an Olympic Junkie (even though they dont have motorsports). So my focus have been in Torino. Not far from the Ferrari factory.

But there is so much excitement. New teams - The most exciting and promising rookies in a long time... and the first new team(s) since Toyota.

Long live F1 and the 2006 will be a season where anyhting could happen. Just like when the Turbos hit the circuits and a surprise winner named Rosberg took the title...

Could it happen again...?

[murph]

I believe the reason for the "lack of noise" during the offseason is that no one really has a clue on what to expect this season....... Reliability of the new engines is unknown....... driving "styles" will have to evolve over the season...... Only Honda, Ferrari, and TTFKAM (the Team Formally Known as Minardi) have tested in hot conditions as Spain ( & Italy) has been wet and cold...... Michelin and Bridgestone have had their work cut out for them as well.....the "word" is that Bridgestone has cut Micelins 1 second a lap advantage to .3 seconds, but who really knows ?.......... With all the ? over reliability, the circus is off to the Bahrain, Sepang, and Oz....... Toyota has already had an aero redo and is working on a third one for Monaco...... Ferrari has come up with a new front wing but has only tested it in monsoon conditions. How does Renault "REALLY" feel about Fred ? And the Kimi to Ferrari story seems to have some serious legs...... Will Nico dust Weber ? Can JV stay in touch of Nick ? Will Jarno dust Ralf (again) and then be pushed out by Toyota ? JPM going to jump ship to Renault or Red Bull? Is Renault even going to be around next year ? Will Scott show any Speed compared to Luzzi ? Will BMW show Williams up...or will it be the boys from Grove showing Mario and company that their leaving was "addition by subtraction" !!! Will Super Aguri be able to make the 110% qualifying baseline...and speaking of the new "Knock out" Qualifying format...will it work? And just how limited will be Friday running by the teams except for the "3rd drivers" ?

Lots of questions......... lots of "possible answers"........ and reality is just around the corner.........

[F1 Junkie]

HOLY SMOKE. Talk about a loaded post. Those are all fantastic things to keep an eye on.

Will Nico Dust Webber? I have a feeling...and not just webber...

the kid is amazing.