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.
There should still be a couple of times when they get caught out though, and wet conditions will be especially difficult as a grand prix car is tough to drive in the wet without the technical aids.
Last year, we were lucky enough to have a very close battle between
Ferrari and
McLaren - and between the four drivers at those teams. From winter testing, I think things are looking very similar, especially with the top two.
It is still Ferrari with the pace and the reliability, while McLaren have got the speed as well, but maybe are not quite so consistent.
Kimi comes in as the man to beat and he will be looking to go for title number two. He should be a more relaxed because he has done what he has set out to do and that is win the world title. It is on his CV and he starts the year as the best driver in the world.
On that basis, it should give him more confidence. He won't be as frustrated and I expect to see a bit more from him.
Despite that though, he is going to be pushed hard by
Felipe Massa and both will have good cars.
I am still tipping Felipe for the title incidentally. He really looks like he has that competitive edge back and he will tell Ferrari: 'Look, I have been around a while now and I think I can get the world championship'.
He is ready and has matured a great deal and the support from Ferrari will be there. He has played a supporting role for
Michael Schumacher and for Raikkonen in some respects over last season. The time is right. The hunger value is there and he has settled down now in life. He has got married and he has got some stability. He has got everything going for him.
