Formula One Update

We are just weeks away from the start of a brand new Formula 1 season. Teams and drivers are busy getting their act together, fine tuning aspects of their strategies, and of course, more importantly, settling down with their respective teams and drivers for the 2010 season.

The latest news is that Toro Rosso has confirmed that they have decided to continue the 2010 season with Jaime Alguersuari. Just 19 years of age, Jaime Alguersuari replaced Sebastien Bourdais mid-season last year, thus becoming the youngest ever Formula One driver. Though he managed to finish just 3 of his 8 races, Toro Rosso feels he needs to be given a fair chance and a full season to prove himself. Team principal Franz Tost said, "Considering that he made his debut only halfway through 2009 with no prior testing, he did a good job, making steady progress throughout the second half of the year, with a mature approach considering he is still only 19 years old. This season, he will again face a steep learning curve, as all the circuits in the first part of the season will be new to him. Jaime's appointment also confirms our commitment to bringing on graduates of the Red Bull Junior Team young driver program."

Then there is the buzzing talk about Felipe Massa returning to full testing in a Ferrari F1 car. He drove a 2008 car at Spain's Circuit de Catalunya. Massa had fractured his skull last year during a freak accident on track. Massa said, "It was a perfect way to optimize my form here in Barcelona. I'm really happy that I had this new opportunity to get behind the wheel of an F1 car. I can't wait to sit in the new car and get stuck in."

Massa will test drive the new Ferrari car on the 1st day of February, followed by new teammate and double world champion Fernando Alonso. McLaren and Mercedes will also test their new cars around the same time.

The most awaited moment of the 2010 season is Michael Schumacher racing for Mercedes, and the likes of Alonso and Lewis Hamilton racing alongside, besides many other serious contenders for the drivers championship.

Folks, we are in for a cracker of a season!