Formula 1 2010 - I get things wrong

I'm writing this on Thursday morning, so as to hopefully avoid any accusations of cheating. However, given the standard of my predictions last year, such an outcome is probably fairly unlikely.

This year's Formula 1 World Championship is perhaps more predictable than last years', in terms of the dramatis personae. However, the huge variability given to pre-season testing times by the new fuel regulation makes it hard to know exactly where people will stand when all things are equal.

Nevertheless, I'm happy to make a complete fool of myself by trying to predict the final top 10 standings in both the drivers' and constructors' championships, so here we go.

DRIVERS

I think Fernando Alonso will be the 2010 World Champion. The Ferrari looks to be at least as competitive as anything else in the field, and that's all the advantage a driver of his standard needs. I think his closest challengers will be Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel, because over 19 races it's hard to look past the cream rising to the top. I also fancy Jenson Button, Felipe Massa, Michael Schumacher and Mark Webber will win races, which will of course be excellent news for the sport. I'd also not discount Nico Rosberg from making the step up to a winner. This leaves two more places in the top ten. I think that Sauber will start the year with the best car of the rest, and that this should help a canny competitor like Pedro de la Rosa to get some good points on the board early. I'd not be surprised, though, if Rubens Barrichello were to overhaul his tally by the time Abu Dhabi comes around.

Best of the rookies will be a tough contest, with no newcomer to the sport really appearing to be a duffer. In terms of points scored, however, it's hard to see past Kamui Kobayashi or Nico Hülkenberg. I think the German will just edge it.

Prediction: 1. Alonso; 2. Hamilton; 3. Vettel; 4. Button; 5. Massa; 6. Schumacher; 7. Webber; 8. Rosberg; 9. Barrichello; 10. de la Rosa.

CONSTRUCTORS

2010 promises to be an almighty scrap between four teams for the top honours. So often in recent seasons, the cars have been so evenly matched in performance that it has boiled down to who has the strongest driver line-up. As such, I think 2010 could just be McLaren's year, unless Ferrari have really stolen a significant march in terms of car design. Red Bull will run everybody close and Mercedes will hardly disgrace themselves. The second battle royale looks set to be for 5th place, with Sauber, Williams, Force India, and Renault all in contention. I fancy Sauber to edge it, chased hard by Williams who should see off the challenge of Force India's quick new car by dint of having the better drivers. Toro Rosso look as though they'll have a lonely year.

In the battle of the new teams - the truly new teams - I think Virgin begin the season with the advantage, and if they get their reliability sorted out they could effectively put themselves beyond reach by the time Lotus start to wring some speed from the T127. Hispania seem set for a long, hard, season.

Prediction: 1. McLaren-Mercedes; 2. Ferrari; 3. Red Bull-Renault; 4. Mercedes; 5. Sauber-Ferrari; 6. Williams-Cosworth; 7. Force India-Mercedes; 8. Renault; 9. Toro Rosso-Ferrari; 10. Virgin Racing-Cosworth.