Weekend review and results round-up

And unfortunately round one in Bahrain proved more interesting than exciting - had Sebastian Vettel's Red Bull not wilted while leading, allowing Fernando Alonso to lead a Ferrari one-two on his debut for the team, there would have been scant drama in the latter two thirds of the race. That lack of action was the main post-race talking point, with calls for changes to the format already beginning.

Earlier in the weekend there had been much discussion about the new teams' prospects, particularly Hispania's as it raced to get its cars on track. While the debutant crews worked to gain a foothold in F1, others debated reintroducing the 107 per cent qualifying rule to ensure all the newcomers were up to scratch.

As usual with a season opener, there was the threat of a rules storm, and this time McLaren and its vent system was at the centre of it. In the end rivals agreed not to protest, but warned of cost implications as they would all have to develop the devices for themselves.

IndyCar's debut in Sao Paulo provided more than enough thrills and spills to make up for the flat F1 race. With qualifying postponed to Sunday to allow major work on the treacherous track surface, and the race interrupted for 45 minutes by a downpour, this wasn't one for the purists - but the rough edges were overshadowed by the ultra-dramatic lead battle, finally won by returnee Will Power.

The F1 sessions

Sutil tops first practice in Bahrain

Rosberg quickest in second practice

Alonso goes quickest in final practice

Vettel flies to Bahrain GP pole

Alonso takes victory on Ferrari debut

The F1 headlines

Chandhok: New team critics are unfair

Senna finally able to enjoy F1

Rosberg sure he will match Schumacher

Barrichello: 2010 tougher for drivers

FIA re-opens 2011 selection process