Firstly I will just explain a bit about my F1 viewing history.
I have all GPs since 1989 now so have watched them all again, but
I started watch F1 in 91/92 however only being 5 or 6 I cant really recall much and probably didnt see much. My Dad watched it and I did too.
93-95 I remember from the time but didnt really make season wide thoughts about it.
its only about 1996 that I could say I though alot about season when I was 10/11.
Anyways I thought I would share my thoughts and views on 2000.
Ferrari - I actually believed that Schumacher could do it in 2000 and he did. I think it was a few things. Schumacher would be (hopefully) racing a whole season unlike 1999 and based on the fact that Irvine nearly took the title and Ferrari did win the WCC. I surmised that Ferrari had had the fastest car in 1999 and thus believed with Schumacher strong and Barrichello who I rated higher than Irvine. I was confident they could win it. As it turned out I was right, but Mclaren had some unrealiability too.
Mclaren - I think everyone saw them as the potential title winners too. It turned out in some ways to be DC's best season 3 wins and a title challenge until 3 or 4 races from the end. Although 2001 he finished 2nd. So its a close call but 2000-2001 were his best years. Hakkinen I felt was fortunate to win his second title in 1999 as I stated above I believe Ferrari's car was best and I believe had Schumacher not broken his leg he would have been champion.
Jordan - Wow I was so excited about Jordan. They had finished 3rd in WCC in 1999 and now with there brighter yellow (which as a 14 year old really got me going) I was sure Trulli and Frentzen would win multiple races in 2000. My first real error in 2000. They looked OK early on but never got the results. In Monaco I was pumped 2nd and 4th was it? Anyway I was loving it but as we know I jinxed them. :p Anyway I loved Jordan but was hugely disappointed in them after 1999.
Williams - I had no clue pre season I dont think. I mean in 99, Zanardi had been awful 0points and Ralf had scored 30odd. So was the 1999 Williams good or poor? I didnt know. I was pretty unmoved by BMW coming in initially, but it soon became apparent that Williams were moving forward. Jenson Button made me keen to see them move forward. Never massively loved Williams before that. When I had been younger in the mid 90s they were always winning and I like underdogs. Then in 98-99 they had sunk and were not massively stunning. It was really 2000 I took note with JB arriving and then 2001 with that stonking car and engine.
BAR - I always loved seeing new teams in F1, and so in 1999 when that new bright livery appeared I really loved them. However by 2000 I was less interested. The white livery was dull, but I think we all knew they would improve and score some points. However 4 4th places (i admit it I looked it up) and some 5ths and 6ths for Jacques was impressive. Zonta I always liked but he never really cut it in F1.
Jaguar - I was in love with the Idea and livery of Jaguar. I guessed they would win races one day (which as Red Bull they did), but my youthful hopes were soon dashed. The only things I recall about Jaguar in 2000 was Irvines 4th in Monaco and Herberts crash in Malaysia. They just rarely were seen from what I remember.
Benetton- I liked Fisichella and Wurz, but was disappointed with Benetton. I kept hoping they would return to mid 90s kind of levels, but they never did. I do remember there exciting podiums in Monaco and Canada. That was actually 2 great results when you look at it. Fisichella showing his class to find his way around the action and finish 3rd.
Prost - My goodness Prost were poor. I remember having a 2000 F1 game and Prosts raced Minardi every race at the back. I think they raced a bit further up than that, but I know that it did nothing for Heidfeld's rep.
Sauber- Salo and Diniz. Meh... the line up wasnt great and the best memory I have about them was in Brazil when they withdrew and got hit by flying ad boards.
Arrows- I was so pleased to see Arrows produce a decent car. 7 points and a 7th in the WCC was fantastic. I always found that 2000 car and brilliant car with great livery. Thus one of my favourite cars of all time. Dela Rosa actually impressed me in 1999 in a bad Arrows, but looked like he might get a BAR type drive but sadly it never happened.
Minardi- Finally Minardi. What a decent car for Minardi and another nice livery. The engine was heavy and rubbish, but Mazzacane (maybe it was the name) captured my imagination and I was always following both he and Gene's progress. I remember the USA GP when Hakkinen followed Gaston for about 3 laps and Murray Walker was muddled about blue flags. haha.
Anyway I actually believed the would score points pre season, but sadly they just didnt have enough pace. 3 8th places was the best they could manage. I remember the wet European GP and I was hoping a couple of cars would go bang or spin off. Mazzacane running 8th in the rain was so close to the points.