Bahrain Grand Prix

Fernando Alonso won today's Bahrain Grand Prix in his debut for Ferrari with fellow teammate Felipe Massa finishing second. It was Massa's first race in F1 since last season's life-threatening injury at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton in the McLaren finished in third. Polesitter Sebastian Vettel finished fourth in the Red Bull Renault after giving up the lead on the 34th lap due to an engine problem. The 49-lap race at Sakhir also marked the return of seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher in the Mercedes-Benz after a three-year absence. Schumacher would finish sixth, followed by defending champion Jenson Button in the McLaren.

The race also kicked off the 61st season of F1 Racing with three new teams and five new drivers. Refueling has been banned for 2010 and certain tire changes have also been made along with a new points system.

I feel that the race for the championship will come down to a battle between Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa, Lewis Hamilton, and Sebastian Vettel. I would not be surprised if Michael Schumacher becomes a serious contender as it has always been unwise to bet against him. I doubt Button will be a serious threat to repeat as champion and will likely take a back seat to Hamilton in terms of the top driver at McLaren. The rivalry between the fathers of both McLaren drivers should be interesting as both fathers have been very active in the careers of their sons.

With Ferrari throwing down the gauntlet today, it should be interesting to see how McLaren and Red Bull respond in two weeks at the Australian Grand Prix.