Finally the season begins...

The wait is over. The worlds biggest racing event is back @ Bahrain this weekend. With lot of rules and regulations changed in 2010, Formula 1 has become more than just a sport. Also the additional thrill for the year is the presence of 4 world champions in the grid. All-time champion Micheal Schumacher's return to the sport with Mercedes and Ross Brawn, has thrown the game even wider. Ferrari, after a dismal performance in 2009, had made a strong statement in the practice sessions. McLaren is all set with its two champion drivers. This season also features rise of promising stars like Vettel, Rosberg & Webber and teams like Force India and Red Bull. There is a possibility that one of the 3 new teams can also make a mark.

But the game's profitability for the teams and sponsors has been a question for quiet some time. With regulated expenses and solved differences between FIA and the teams this year should be delivering the expected returns on the investments made. With the impact of the global downturn, big teams like Toyota and BMW had decided to quit the game. Existing teams had to regulate their expenditures to worth each penny. 

In 2011 FIA had also decided to expand the calendar to more locations like India and Russia after this years' 19 tracks. Expanding this way also has an inbuilt risk. There is no sport which has a fan following across geographies. Every game has its own set of viewers. This is largely due to the cultural preferences and practices. For  instance to increase the viewer-ship in India, there definitely has to be an Indian driving for an Indian team. 

At the end of the day, let me put all these issues aside, and enjoy this season, which is expected to be the most thrilling season of the game. My bet is on the 7 time champion. Whats yours??