Start of the F1 season to boost motoring interest

After months of speculation and excitement, the Formula One season is to get under way this weekend with the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Amongst the highlights, fans are awaiting the return of F1 supremo and seven time world champion winner Michael Schumacher, as well as the rivalry between new McLaren team-mates Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton.

The most anticipated F1 season yet, is expected to draw record audiences, as well as increase the car buyers market and promote motorsport as a whole.

Pre-season favourites are wide ranging with many commentators fancying Ferrari's new driver and former world champion Fernando Alonso and his team-mate Felipe Massa, who returns to the sport after his horrific crash mid-last season.

Three new teams will be gracing the Bahrain circuit with their presence - these include Virgin Racing, Hispania Racing Team and Lotus, who return to the sport after a 16 year hiatus.

Exciting changes to this year's rules, mean that no refuelling is allowed during the race, with the fuel tank capacity of the cars being doubled, to allow for this change. This will mean that handling will be dramatically different due to the weight changes. On the same lines, tyre width is being reduced from 270mm to 240mm, making the cars more of a challenge. The points system is also set to change, with bigger incentives to win races and smaller margins between positions. The winner will receive 25 points with second place getting 18 and third 15 then 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 1 respectively.

Despite the building suspense and changes, the motoring sector is set to see benefits from an increased interest in motorsport, with more people likely to attend rallies, events and spend their money in the industry.

Diane Bellanca, Accrington, Toyota Auris TR VVT-I

Phillip Maksimovic, Caerphilly, RENAULT MEGANE RENAULTSPORT 250