Who will be Formula 1 world champion 2005?

[youcan]

I believe it will be Raikkonen, because McLaren has a bigger budget than Renault. However I think Alonso is a better driver than Raikkonen, because of the tactical way he drives races nowadays and he doesn't crack under pressure (Imola).

Ferrari will be back I believe, but they won't be able to dominate anymore like they used to do. The reason for that is because of the fact they have won so many times and their desires to win is a little bit less than it used to be. The other teams are more eager now.

That's my 2 cent.

[ales]

Kimi doesn't need to show how tactical of a driver he can be - when he's at the front, he disapears. Don't really care a lot who wins the championship if it's not Schumi. Would love Fisico to do that, but that's unlikely. Kimi or Alonso - there are traits that I like about both of them, there are also those that I don't. I think they're equally talented and both are worthy championship contenders.

[kfoote]

Fernando Alonso-My choice. He's far enough ahead and the Reanult has enough speed and reliability to win even if he doesn't win any more races this season.

Kimi Raikkonen-Very fast, but I'm still not convinced about the Reliability of the McLaren. My pick for 2nd, and he will keep it close.

Michael Schumacher-Bridgestone tires aren't up to the task this year if the track is warm, and are not fast enough out of the box to qualify well. Will win a couple of races in cooler temp races on tracks that suit the Ferrari (Magny Cours, Monza, Canada, Hockenheim, China)

Jarno Trulli-May win a race or two, but won't finish high enough regularly to be able to catch either Raikkonen or Alonzo.

Juan Pablo Montoya-Too far behind, slower than Raikkonen

Rubens Barrichello-Too far behind, slower than Schumacher.

[RallyRaider]

Alonso I think. Kimi has probably already lost it through unreliability. The current point system gives Alonso a huge advantage as his 20-30 point gap will be very difficult to close, so long as he keeps finishing in the points. Similarly, while I expect Ferrari will sort their tyres out, they are having to push development for the first time in years. Which will lead to more mistakes and failures.

Toyota could be a dark horse too. Not necessarily in the hunt for the title, but certainly able to affect the outcome by taking points off others.

[RallyRaider]

Actually thinking about it, the outcome of the season could possibly be a close run thing. Each of the big three have a significant advantage over the rest. Renault and Alonso have the advantage of a big points lead that the rest will need to overcome. Ferari have the advantage of no self imposed testing restriction so in theory they should get stronger and stronger given the massive amount of testing they will no doubt do. McLaren have the advantage of running a third car on Friday, that will give them much more data to work with perfecting setups. Toyota also have the third car.

Could make things interesting. I'm hoping the nine teams come to their senses and decide to relax the testing restrictions, hence removing their disadvantage relative to Ferrari.

[Samurai75007]

I think Alonso with the standings how they are, slthough I love Ferrari and the new car is comming out this next race so we will see.

[kfoote]

ummm, the new Ferrari has been running since Bahrain, 3 races ago....

[Samurai75007]

The F1 web site say's there running F2004M still, Ferrariwold.com says see it before it race's, that is F2005 I’m talking about. I know that F2005 was unveiled on February 25 2005 but I don’t see anything about it actually running, only some testing the past few weeks.

[ales]

Well, I'm afraid your information is incorrect. Kfoote is right, F2005 have been used for racing since Bahrain.

[Samurai75007]

well damin, i hate it when people dont update there stuff. sorry people.

[Supra-Devil]

Alonso my choice

[street_racer_00]

4 words: Jarno Trulli; Go Toyota!

[fifth_gear]

The points lead is going to be tough to overcome, but if anyone has a shot at defeating Alonso this year it is Kimi. Regardless of which one of the two prevails, I think the other will place second, and both will have far more points than the rest of the drivers.

[cantgo2fast]

U have to re-do this poll now. i think that everyone will have changed their mind at least alittle after the US GP because now Mr. Schumacher is right behind Kimi

[RallyRaider]

This poll was a snapshot in time. Unpredictable events like the US GP will show who was right and who was not, not that that really matters. Start a new poll if you wish.
At least the BS runners cannot complain about inferior tyres after the gift Michelin offered them today!