It's almost time for the 2016 Formula One season to kick off in Australia, which means we are about to see the results of what the 11 teams have been frantically working on. So, what should you expect come March 20? Can the rest of the pack close the gap to Mercedes and three-time world champion Lewis Hamilton? Let's take a walk along the starting grid to find out.
You'll notice this year's cars look very similar to last years – that's because there have only been small tweaks for the 2016 season. Purists should be pleased, because the new cars are all fitted with a new exhaust system with a "separate exhaust wastegate tailpipe through which all and only wastegate exhaust gases must pass." Although it doesn't have any impact on the fuel economy or performance of the cars, the change means spectators will be exposed to more noise.
There's also a greater focus on driver safety, with larger padded areas around the driver's head.
On the tire front, Pirelli will now offer three dry compounds, including a new super soft compound that has proven fast in testing.
We're going to start at the front of the grid because, if the last two years are anything to go by, that's where we'll find the Silver Arrows in 2016. Thanks to relatively stable regulations, the W07 chassis and its 106C power unit are more of a subtle evolution of last year's car than a revolution. That doesn't mean it's the same car, though, with Mercedes having worked to iron out the small reliability glitches that held it back throughout the season. So far it seems to be working, with Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg combining for 187 laps during day four of testing in Barcelona – 24 more than its nearest competitor.
Store is expecting big things from the Prancing Horse in 2016. Having succeeded Luca di Montzemolo last year, new Ferrari Chairman Sergio Marchionne has made it clear that success in Formula One is a top priority, and early signs in testing would suggest the Italians have the pace to challenge Mercedes. As well as its shortened nose, Ferrari's engineers have fitted the car with pushrod suspension for the first time in four years.
For a young team, Red Bull Racing has seen a lot of success. Since its inception in 2005, Christian Horner's team has secured four constructors championships, and powered Sebastian Vettel to his four driver's titles. Last year, however, the team was held back by power issues from its Renault engine. Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat will be hoping this year's motor, branded a Tag Heuer, runs like clockwork, because Adrian Newey's chassis was widely regarded as the best on the grid last year.
After some tough times, the past two years have seen something of a resurgence from the Martini-liveried Williams outfit. Having finished third in the 2014 and 2015 Constructors' Championship, Frank Williams will be looking to make a leap and start challenging Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes for the top step on the podium. Engineers are hoping a new sidepod design and an evolutionary aerodynamics package will make the car more manageable in slow corners and wet conditions.
For a team with such rich history, 2015 was an absolute nightmare. Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso scored just 27 points between them, and the team didn't see the podium all season due to an overall lack of pace and reliability. Things already look more promising this year, with a report published in Road and Track suggesting the Japanese brand's engineers have unlocked an extra 223 hp from its power units.
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