The Formula 1 season kicks off this weekend in Bahrain and it is one of the most eagerly anticipated seasons ever. Lotus and Virgin Racing make their Formula one debut but it is somewhat a minor miracle that Hispania are joining them on the grid.

Hispania haven’t tested their car at all so It’s impossible to predict how they will fare in Bahrain. Lotus and Virgin have both got testing under their belts but they were alarmingly off the pace. 4.5 seconds off the pace is simply embarrassing and nowhere near good enough. If Lotus and Virgin are so behind even with testing, where will Hispania be?

Although the season hasn’t begun yet it is looking likely that the Spanish outfit will be picking up the wooden spoon at the end of the season. I believe Hispania will improve as the season goes on and they clock up some miles on the cars, but going into Bahrain starting from scratch is worrying to say the least.

Team principal Colin Kolles is going to have his work cut out to produce a competitive car because they could quite easily be seven or eight seconds off the pace.

The worry for me is Hispania’s drivers. A new or maybe struggling team need experienced drivers to steady the ship but instead Hispania have gone for two rookies. Bruno Senna and Karun Chandhok are only 20 and 21 and are being thrown in at the deep end. Formula 1 takes no prisoners. Mercedes, formerly known as Brawn, went with Rubens Barrichello because of his vast experience, but the man who lost out was Senna himself. You only have to look at what happened last  season to see that it was the correct decision.

Hispania were never going to win the title but a couple of experienced drivers would certainly know what to do in unhealthy situations like the one at Hispania. Lotus have recruited well with appointing Hekki Kovalainen and Jarno Trulli, while Virgin have signed Timo Glock. Three experienced drivers who have driven for teams such as McLaren, Toyota and Renault. Senna and Chandok may well be talented but this is no substitute for experience.

Jacques Villeneuve could have been the ideal driver. The 1997 World champion might not have driven in Formula 1 for a few years but his experience could have well been worth breaking the bank for.

The fact is that Hispania have had no testing and have two rookies for drivers, so I think the Madrid-based team will struggle immensely in Bahrain and easily finish last.

Join me and Victoria on Formula1FanCast.com’s Fantasy League Formula 1 2010. Our league is called Formula1Fancast.com and the league pin is 722. Try and beat us if you can, but be warned we’re good!

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