Heading into the new season, Formula One appears to be going into a seminal year. Although far-reaching rule changes are included in this years rule book, the even more radical changes to the car for 2009 will make this year the last of complex aerodynamics, grooved tyres and cars solely relying on the petrol-burning engine for power.
Despite such radical overhauls due for next year, this year's cars have had to respond to new cost-cutting rules relating to the electronics and gearboxes, as well as further optimise the cars around the Bridgestone tyres that were introduced last year.
Thus, the cars are going to be at a peak of performance and several who struggled through last year are expected to create a tighter fight at the front of the grid.
The actual list of rule changes is quite short for 2008, however the major change has had a fundamental impact on the work the teams have had to carry out in developing their new cars.