Counting down to Bahrain

Sports and I never got along. Not in school, not outside, and not since.

The extent was playing badminton with friends every evening or cycling for hours. Now swimming is another story all together. I simply love it and it is the only form of physical exertion that I will voluntarily indulge in.

So it came as quite a surprise to me when a few years ago, I started getting interested in watching Formula 1 racing. The maniacal speeds they drive at, the skill and precision required in the pit stops, the blaze of red as it crossed the finish line (you guessed it, I am a Ferrari fan).

At times I think it my love for fiery red car that got me interested in watching it as a race team. So I wasn’t disappointed when I saw Michael Schumacher win race after race, and clinch the championship.

Then last year Ferrari went poof! They weren’t winning, Schumacher wasn’t winning and like millions of fans over the world I started to lose interest.

This year, I am seeing the sport in a different light. I am still a Ferrari fan and am hoping to see Schumacher come back to form. But even if he doesn’t, there are quite a few drivers to look out for, and better still, at least 5 teams who are top contenders for the constructor’s championship.

To say the very least, it is going to be an interesting year ahead.

The first race is on March 12 in Bahrain… I can’t wait to see the 5 lights illuminate and go out signaling the start of the most competitive Formula 1 season I have ever seen.