The shakedown testing of Barcelona has whetted our appetites for F1 racing to resume. While the test showed that Mercedes has the edge over the rest of the grid, Ferrari's pace suggested that there might be more to what we saw than meets the eye.

The Bahrain test is where the cars would be driven in anger. The driver would be exploring the limits of their car to determine if they have the car under them that gives them a realistic chance of fighting for the driver's title this season.

The pecking order, as it were, shall be exposed by the end of the Bahrain test. And the stark reality of the prospect of each team shall dawn upon them as they head to Melbourne for the Australian GP.

I hope for a change; it is closer than previous seasons. One thing is certain: it would be vicious in the midfield. Racing Bull and Haas are well primed. Williams and Alpine would definitely be challenged strongly. It is unclear where Aston Martin would be located in all of this. But it would not be surprising if the usual order of things is shaken up somewhat.


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