Williams really deserves to make some progress as they have worked very hard over the last few years. It has definitely got a car which is more reliable - and also more agile - so
Nico Rosberg should really exploit its potential.
RBR should be the bigger opposition because of what it has got going for it package wise but, saying that,
Toyota has been a big surprise. I couldn't see the Cologne-based operation making much out of this season pre-Australia but, so far, it has shocked many of us down the pit-lane. It has been strong in qualifying and has had some good results.
After those three, we have
Renault and
Honda, and both are a bit further back, although that could change in Spain.
It is going to be interesting to see whether the powerhouses have been able to maximise that time spent back in their wind tunnels and getting some more development done. If either has made strides, it is going to be very tough for the likes of
Williams,
Red Bull and Toyota because they will then have another one or two teams to contend with.
I would expect some progress, but I am not sure it will be as much as they would like. It will, however, be evident.
Fernando Alonso will definitely be hoping for something a little better this time out and he will - like any driver in his home country - give 110 per cent.
The R28 isn't quite up to the standards he would like and it is difficult to see it becoming a grand prix winning car by the end of the season. Indeed, I don't think it will be. But if he can see some progress and some light at the end of the tunnel then that will be encouraging for him. As we are at the moment, though, it is difficult, but Fernando could have been in a better situation had he handled 2007 differently.
Of the backmarkers, Toro Rosso and
Force India are both making some steps forward. Toro Rosso has had some strong sessions, but it has not quite counted when it comes to the race or qualifying, although it has been up there in terms of raw pace.
