F1 all set for showdown

The title challengers led Thursday’s jovial news conference as the start of the season neared. “The competition is very fierce but that’s what’s exciting,” Button said. “This season should be electric and,if it’s not,we’re doing something seriously wrong.”

F1’s most anticipated season opened with a photo opportunity for the four champions,as Felipe Massa was forced to watch with a faint smile from the side of the stage. Massa hasn’t raced since a near death crash in Hungary in July and is a favorite for the title

alongside the drivers from McLaren,Mercedes GP and Red Bull.

“Yes,I think I’m ready to win,” said Ferrari teammate and two-time champion Alonso,who has two previous wins at the desert race. “I’ve been waiting very long to be here in Ferrari as well,many years of preparation for this moment.”

While Alonso sat stone-faced,Schumacher commanded the stage just as his driving did for more than 16 years. The seven-time champion,who came out of retirement to take Button’s place at Mercedes,sat front and center,exchanging conversation and smiles throughout with former teammate Massa.

Although Schumacher believes a win is unlikely for Mercedes,things are going smoothly with teammate Nico Rosberg. “There’s good harmony,particularly with the boss (team principal Ross Brawn),which makes things a lot easier,a lot smoother,” the 2004 champion said before turning his attention to the title fight. “It’s very tough.”

The championship will be well deserved after an offseason which has seen all but three of the 12 teams on the grid make driver changes.

“Having Michael here is a very good thing for all of us,for the drivers,for our sport,and that can only help Formula One,” Alonso said. “Winning a championship with Michael on the track has more value.”

As the front three answered questions,McLaren teammates Button and Hamilton chatted constantly in the back row. “Even after two months I feel a big part of this team and we

haven’t even been racing yet,” Button said. “They’re so hungry for a good season.”

Button said Friday’s practice would be special as he steps into the No. 1 car on the grid.

“It’s going to be an emotional moment. But as soon as you step in the car and close your visor last season is out the window,” the Briton said. “For every champion it’s important to be quick out of the blocks. Strong from the word go.”

Refueling is banned this season,which means teams will only pit to change tires. All drivers agreed that strategy would be affected but that they would adapt.

Points distribution will also change to award race winners,with Schumacher,who is going for record win No. 92,taking credit for the move by suggesting his five straight titles from 2000-04 spurred the change.

“It’s certainly a little bit more fair if you have somebody there that wins most of the races over someone who is just sitting there waiting and taking second and third places and is suddenly the world champion,” Schumacher said.

Button won in Bahrain last season as he took six of the first seven races before holding on to clinch the title. “It’s great to have Felipe back after his horrific accident,and great to have Michael back because it makes me feel young again,” Button said.

Bahrain’s circuit has eight new corners that are likely to slow the field over the first part,but several straightaways provide opportunities to pass.

Massa,a two-time winner in Bahrain,is eager to get back in the car as Ferrari looks to earn more than the one point it has over the past two season openers.

“It’s just nice to be back in business. There’s a lot of motivation to get back to my job,” Massa said. “It’s always important to finish,important to score points.”

Meanwhile,Red Bull pair Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber took questions from the team’s base at the desert track as neither was invited to the opening news conference.

“Right now everyone is walking around in the dark not knowing where he is. It’ll be crucial to be there right at the beginning and score points regularly,” said Vettel,who finished runner-up to Button last season partly due to not finishing three races.

Vettel said Saturday’s qualifying will help reveal the pecking order as the 24 cars take to the track ahead of the 49-lap race. “Either it will be really exciting and fantastic for the

spectators,” Vettel said,”or it will be really boring.”