Fine end to 2009 season - High expectations for 2010

I am quite breathless after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Some very fine driving, particularly between Webber and Button in the closing laps as the vied for 2nd and 3rd - both classy drivers and well matched, Button couldn't quite make it past as Webber expertly closed the door on him twice. The venue was amazing and arguably one of the finest GP circuits currently available, but for all its glamour and glitz its also good to (hopefully!) have the tradition of circuits such as Silverstone. My predictions for today's top three wasn't quite there (though I think I was closer than Vicky!), it was a shame to see Lewis go out early, as the tussle between him and Vettel would have been great to see.

So now we wait with baited breath for the final team and driver announcements from the FIA. With the much anticipated return of Lotus after too long an absence, the probable departure of BMW Sauber, and Jenson Button still with Brawn as Mercedes ups its stake in the team - it certainly won't be boring! And then there are the rule changes for 2010, probably the "no refuelling" one providing the teams with the greatest challenge - I actually remember when refuelling first came in when Bernie Ecclestone introduced it while at Brabham in 1982 (before my co-author had even breathed her first high octane breath!) - it will be interesting to see how the fuel manufacturers deal with this, as clearly a balance between extra fuel weight and slower burning fuel will be required, it would be a shame if races were shortened because of this rule. The one rule change that seems ridiculous is the ban on tyre warmers, quite what the point of that is I really couldn't say, but it will mean (along with greater fuel weights) slower grid starts in 2010. So 133 days to Bahrain - note the date in your diaries - March 14th 2010. We'll be updating this blog regularly between now and then with the close season news and gossip and our individual and collective thoughts on the teams and drivers prospects. We'd love to hear your comments!

A slightly sad note to end on is the news that Tom Wheatcroft the owner of Donnington passed away on Saturday, a hugely influential figure in the British motorsport industry he will be missed. Sad that he didn't live to see a return of F1 to Donnington.

David