I am not sure Brawn Mercedes will be the next coming of Christ everyone is expecting them to be. No doubt they will be strong this year but other teams will be working just as hard as well.
Renault released today that they will be running KERS in Australia, the 1st team to confirm the use of the new system.
I personally do not like the new points system I think it really hurts teams that are quick but do not have the same consistent pace as McLaren/Ferrari. Last year Kubica was in the points race until very late in the season due to a string of very good finishes.
Williams and McLaren closed the final day of testing before the start of the 09 season today. McLaren taking the time to test new parts that arrived last night and possibly do some qualifying runs. Both cars ended with faster times than Brawn Mercedes and Renault today dipping into the 1:17's. The William managing to edge the McLaren out by six tenths of a second.
Unofficial Thursday times from Jerez:
1. Kazuki Nakajima, Williams FW31, 1:17.494
2. Heikki Kovalainen, McLaren MP4-24, 1:17.946
Looks as if McLaren have found some sort of light at the end of the tunnel with their supposed aero problems while Williams plainly went fast!
Taking a look at some of the pictures from the Jerez test this wee I thought I would highlight 2 from McLaren.
This from I believe the 1st day of McLaren's test. They have a data collection rig attached to the end of the diffuser. Speculation has it McLaren is looking for a serious aero problem regarding rear downforce:
Taken today; a very different look to the rear. Both the rear wing mounting with a far more pronounced and moulded lower element and diffuser with updated a new middle form and outer vein shape:
rich