The third and final part of the F1 season preview looks at the three new teams that will make it to the grid in Bahrain.
Lotus Racing
Lotus were the last of the new teams to get an entry, yet thanks to some experienced personnel and strong management they look like they will be the quickest of the new teams.
18. Jarno Trulli
After moving from Toyota, Trulli's experience will be of great help to Lotus, as will his qualifying pace, as they attempt to mix it with the rest of the field. Expect occasional points later in the season. Prediction: 19th
19. Heikki Kovalainen
Heikki joins Lotus from McLaren, where he was in the shadow of Lewis Hamilton. An interesting battle could form between Kovalainen and Trulli while they try to develop the T127. Prediction: 20th
HRT F1 Team
Campos team was saved at the last minute by its majority shareholder and renamed HRT F1. The car won't run until free practice in Bahrain, but it is built by Dallara and has a driver pairing wanting to impress.
20. Karun Chandhok
Has a bit of F1 mileage from a Red Bull test in 2007, but otherwise 2010 will be very much a learning year for the Indian. If he impresses he could be a prospect for a bigger team as F1 goes to India in 2011. Prediction: 24th
21. Bruno Senna
Will want to show he deserves to be in F1 on talent alone, but it will be very difficult to prove himself in a car that will be at the back of the field. He will be pleased just to be on the grid having been racing in sportscars in 2009. Prediction: 23rd
Virgin Racing
The team has had reliability issues in testing, and a lot has been made of its CFD-designed car, but the team has pedigree from Manor Motorsport. They also have a strong driver lineup who will aid development.
24. Timo Glock
He took the decision to move to a new team rather than an established one for 2010, but can do a good job of leading the team as they develop during their first year. Prediction: 21st
25. Lucas di Grassi
He was a regular frontrunner in GP2, despite not winning the series. He has good F1 mileage from his days testing with Renault and has worked with team principal John Booth before in F3. Prediction: 22nd
Stay tuned to the Front of the Grid and its Twitter page throughout the season for news, opinion and analysis.
Photo Credits: Lesta, Bruno Senna and Slitz
Lotus Racing
Lotus were the last of the new teams to get an entry, yet thanks to some experienced personnel and strong management they look like they will be the quickest of the new teams.
18. Jarno Trulli
After moving from Toyota, Trulli's experience will be of great help to Lotus, as will his qualifying pace, as they attempt to mix it with the rest of the field. Expect occasional points later in the season. Prediction: 19th
19. Heikki Kovalainen
Heikki joins Lotus from McLaren, where he was in the shadow of Lewis Hamilton. An interesting battle could form between Kovalainen and Trulli while they try to develop the T127. Prediction: 20th
HRT F1 Team
Campos team was saved at the last minute by its majority shareholder and renamed HRT F1. The car won't run until free practice in Bahrain, but it is built by Dallara and has a driver pairing wanting to impress.
20. Karun Chandhok
Has a bit of F1 mileage from a Red Bull test in 2007, but otherwise 2010 will be very much a learning year for the Indian. If he impresses he could be a prospect for a bigger team as F1 goes to India in 2011. Prediction: 24th
21. Bruno Senna
Will want to show he deserves to be in F1 on talent alone, but it will be very difficult to prove himself in a car that will be at the back of the field. He will be pleased just to be on the grid having been racing in sportscars in 2009. Prediction: 23rd
Virgin Racing
The team has had reliability issues in testing, and a lot has been made of its CFD-designed car, but the team has pedigree from Manor Motorsport. They also have a strong driver lineup who will aid development.
24. Timo Glock
He took the decision to move to a new team rather than an established one for 2010, but can do a good job of leading the team as they develop during their first year. Prediction: 21st
25. Lucas di Grassi
He was a regular frontrunner in GP2, despite not winning the series. He has good F1 mileage from his days testing with Renault and has worked with team principal John Booth before in F3. Prediction: 22nd
Stay tuned to the Front of the Grid and its Twitter page throughout the season for news, opinion and analysis.
Photo Credits: Lesta, Bruno Senna and Slitz
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