F1 2009: Teams and drivers rated

Race starts:None, Wins:None, Titles:None, 2008 form:N/A

Keep your eyes on Brawn GP, as it could cause a major upset. The Mercedes-engined BGP 001 has set a blistering pace in testing, leaving established rivals trailing in its wake. If the team carries this form into the races, then
both Button and Barrichello have the experience and ability to pick up race wins.

Drivers:
Jenson Button - Races:155, Wins:One, 2008 form:18th
Rubens Barrichello - Races:271, Wins:Nine, 2008 form:14th

Race starts:503, Wins:113, Titles:Nine, 2008 form:Eighth

Cautious optimism is filling the Williams camp. The FW31 benefited from a lengthy development, and the British outfit has also designed a novel KERS system. Expect the rapid Rosberg to lead the charge in an effort to justify his billing as a future world champion. Nakajima will be aiming to build on a solid 2008 debut.

Drivers:
Nico Rosberg - Races:53, Wins:None, 2008 form:13th
Kazuki Nakajima - Races:18, Wins:None, 2008 form:15th

Race starts:53, Wins:One, Titles:None, 2008 form:Sixth

Expect some giant-killing performances, despite losing race winner Vettel to Red Bull. The STR4 uses Ferrari’s powerful engine, while Bourdais gets a well deserved second chance to prove he can shine. Buemi has shown little star quality in lower formulae, but seems to be highly rated by team bosses.

Drivers:
Sebastien Buemi - Races:None, Wins:None, 2008 form:N/A
Sebastien Bourdais - Races:18, Wins:None, 2008 form:17th

Race starts:245, Wins:35, Titles:Two, 2008 form:Fourth

The French team could spring a few surprises. The R29 benefits from a more powerful engine and has been developed with the help of two-time champ Alonso. The Spaniard is still one of the best in the business, scoring a couple of wins last year in a car that was off the pace. Piquet Jr has a lot to prove after an underwhelming 2008.

Drivers:
Fernando Alonso - Races:123, Wins:21, 2008 form:Fifth
Nelson Piquet JR, Races:18, Wins:None, 2008 form:12th

Race starts:648 Wins:162 Titles:Eight, 2008 form:Second

There are some worried looking faces at McLaren headquarters, as the new MP4/24 has been slow in testing. This will be bad news for Hamilton, who could struggle to mount a serious defence of his maiden world crown. For talented team-mate Kovalainen, this season can only be an improvement after a luckless 2008 saw him net only one win.

Drivers:
Lewis Hamilton - Races:35, Wins:Nine, 2008 form:Champion
Heikki Kovalainen - Races:35, Wins:One, 2008 form:Seventh

Race starts:18, Wins:None, Titles:None, 2008 form:10th

It’s all change for the team bankrolled by Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya, as a technical tie-in with McLaren sees Mercedes engines replacing Ferrari units. The British team also provide gearboxes and backroom staff. Testing has been promising, although 2009 will be a learning season. Fisichella brings experience, while Sutil needs to find consistency to match his speed.

Drivers:
Adrian Sutil - Races:35, Wins:None, 2008 form:20th
Giancarlo Fisichella - Races:214, Wins:Three, 2008 form:19th

Race starts:71, Wins:None, Titles:None, 2008 form:Seventh

There can be no more excuses for Red Bull in 2009. Design boss Adrian Newey is famed for making the best of new regulations, while the squad’s customer Renault engine has been given a power boost. Aussie ace Webber is quick and is desperate to take his first win. Vettel is a genuine superstar and sure to be fighting at the sharp end of the grid.

Drivers:
Mark Webber - Races:123, Wins:None, 2008 form:11th
Sebastian Vettel - Races:26, Wins:One, 2008 form:Eighth

Race starts:122, Wins:None, Titles:None, 2008 form:Fifth

It’s time for Toyota to finally deliver on its big budget promises. After seven years of trying, success is vital this year, otherwise it could join fellow Japanese firm Honda into an embarrassing withdrawal. Fortunately, the TF109 has shown well in testing and looks to have front-running pace. Trulli brings experience, while Glock has demonstrated surprising speed and maturity.

Drivers:
Jarno Trulli - Races:202, Wins:One, 2008 form:Ninth
Timo Glock - Races:22, Wins:None, 2008 form:10th

Race starts:53, Wins:One, Titles:None, 2008 form:Third

Once again, BMW finished last season just behind the dominant Ferrari and McLaren duo. In 2009, it’s determined to trump all rivals and take the title. Development of the F1.09 started early, and it was the first car to run with the new KERS system. Kubica is a potential world champion, while Heidfeld has the pace to win races, although he needs to emerge from the shadow of his team-mate.

Drivers:
Robert Kubica - Races:40, Wins:One, 2008 form:Fourth
Nick Heidfeld - Races:152, Wins:None, 2008 form:Sixth

Race starts:776, Wins:209, Titles:16, 2008 form:Constructors’ champion

The Italian squad enters 2009 determined to score a third team title in a row. Its F60 racer has been quick in testing and will win races. Raikkonen went off the boil last season and needs to rediscover his 2007 championship form. Massa, meanwhile, will be determined to put right last year’s title near-miss.

Drivers:
Kimi RaikKonen - Races:140, Wins:17, 2008 form:Third
Felipe Massa - Races:106, Wins:11, 2008 form:Second