With the diffuser controversy and lying scandal resolved, it was the FIA's budget cap plan - and particularly its two-tier aspect - that monopolised the headlines at the Spanish Grand Prix.
Toyota became the first team to declare that it could not enter the 2010 world championship under current conditions, with the FIA and FOTA set for talks before Monaco in a bid to resolve a deadlock with potentially huge implication for Formula 1.
Back on track, it was business as usual for Brawn and Jenson Button, as last year's benchmark teams found that they still had some way to go to catch the white cars even with the swathe of upgrades introduced for the start of the European season.
THE ACTION
Button tops first practice in Spain
Williams duo lead second practice
Ferrari takes one-two in final practice
Button flies to Spanish GP pole
Button leads Brawn 1-2 at Spanish GP
THE BIG STORIES
FOTA calls for talks over budget cap
Button: Too early for title thoughts
Theissen in warning over two-tier F1
Alonso: Hamilton will restore reputation
Rosberg expresses weight loss concerns
Newey: Red Bull 'hunger' key to title
Teams hope cuts don't reduce challenge
Toyota warns it may not lodge entry
Ecclestone: Formula 1 is Ferrari
Brawn: Car push vital for title hopes
Whitmarsh: F1 at a 'critical' point
Di Montezemolo, Mosley set for cap talks
Hamilton: 'No hope' of results at present