Hi folks...

There is not long to go now and, after the long wait for the first race of the season, we can now look forward to two races in quick succession, with the Australian and Malaysian grands prix taking place on back-to-back weekends.

I believe it is going to be a great year, and there is a lot of anticipation of what is ahead of us and just what might be in store.

Can Lewis Hamilton take that title this year? Will Kimi Raikkonen be able to retain it? And just how will Fernando Alonso get on now he is back with Renault? Can the Spaniard make amends and come back strong?

There is a lot for us to look forward to - and a lot of questions awaiting answers.

Of course, round one in Melbourne is going to give the first indication of just how the year is going to shape up. It is vital for all the teams to get a good start because, if they have got reliability and consistency, they should carry that throughout the rest of the season.

We often see margins built up in these first few 'flyaway' events because the development and progress is halted. The teams cannot do much until they get back to Europe and so, if they go to Albert Park on the back foot, that normally lasts for the first few rounds.

This year, the calendar is a bit different to normal and not only have we got an extra event in comparison to 2007, but we have two new venues joining the fold.

It's great to have some new tracks and especially as they are street circuits. Singapore is obviously going to be a night race, although how dark it is we will have to wait and see! Valencia should be great too, and it will probably be a very competitive race track. For those that have been to Monaco a lot, it might be a nice alternative.

Another change for '08 concerns some of the rules and there is now no traction control. I don't think it will make a huge amount of difference, however, come the start of the season.

Most of the guys will have got their heads around what is going on and what they need and don't need to do with their right foot. Some of the experienced guys have been there before too, so it will be in the memory bank. Also the engine mapping guys will have got to grips with things, so I imagine it will be a relatively smooth transition.