Could BMW-Sauber be one of the surprises of the 2006 season? That's just one of the many questions that remain unanswered, as we edge towards what promises to be a fascinating year for the sport.
Others may have new engines, tyre partners and even owners, but there's no doubt that the arrival of BMW as an entrant on its own right is the most significant change to this year's line-up. After six years with Williams, the Munich manufacturer is now in change of its own destiny, and with Sauber, it is building on solid foundations.
The sceptics are expecting BMW to stumble and ultimately regret its less than amicable parting of the ways with Williams and all the know-how that the British team had.
But it would be dangerous to underestimate the strength of the operation that Peter Sauber put together. The team might not have done anything too spectacular over the years, but nor have they stumbled by taking risks, because they could not afford to gamble.