So we're in Round 8 next week from Silverstone, UK.

Cosworth is making a comeback as an engine supplier for a few teams. (free plug for Eric)

Who's kept up with the shenanigans so far?

I have kept up. We have a small FF1 league that makes it fun to watch. Crazy season thus far, cool to see things shaken up but it would be nice to see someone challenge Brawn (specifically Jensen). I am SUPER stoked to see Vettel doing well, he has been a somewhat of a favorite of mine....

Curious to see how stuff shakes out for next year with the talks of the split!

I hope they figure something out that results in them not splitting, but I do side with FOTA. I would just hate to see the sport go down the same road that CART/IRL did.

On a side note...congrats again to Vettel and Red Bull on the amazing race yesterday.

So we made it through the 09 year. No split happened, Brawn GP prevailed in both championships and subsequently lost both drivers and the #1 on their car for 2010. They sold a 75.1% stake to Mercedes who have been trying to buying a controlling stake from Mclaren for quite a few years. Mercedes GP was formed with Petronas as their title sponsor and Nico Rosberg set to take on the #1 seat until today, when Michael Schumacher stole his thunder and confirmed a 3 yr deal with the German team. Now we have 4 champions confirmed for the 2010 season, along with 6 new cars set to join the party. A rash of new teams entering the sport with the exit of some major players Toyota, BMW, Max Mosley, Ron Dennis and Flavio Briatore. Some of the new heavy hitters backing three of the new teams are Gerard Lopez (original investor in Skype), Richard Branson (CEO/Founder of Virgin) and Tony Fernandes (CEO of Air Asia). Jean Todt has won the seat of FIA President as well. 2010 sees Canada make a return to the Calendar and Silverstone confirmed till 2026 after Donnington Park failed to make ends meet. 2010 is set to be a year to remember, new teams, new FIA president, the return of Schumi and the 4 way battle for the title between the current and ex champions.

It should be very very interesting!

I'm a mechanical engineer in charlotte nc and my company was called on for some work with the USF1 team setting up HAAS CNC machines and I'm happy to say if their shop is any indication they will be on the grid!

Late breaking news, the FIA has allowed Briatore to return. They decided Mosley had a grudge against Flavio and Mosley just wanted the guy gone. My money is on Lewis Hamilton winning a second title. He will probably be battling Felipe Massa just like 2008. Both McLaren and Ferrari have been preparing their 2010 cars since the middle of last season, so there won't be any BS problems like last year. I don't think Michael Schumacher will be in title contention this year. My guess is he will spend the first half of the year adjusting to racing again and meshing with the new team. He will probably win a few races byt the end of the year, but not the title.

I'm worried about Fernando Alonso. He's left huge messes at both McLaren and Renault. And with Felipe Massa on the team, there is no "second" driver on the team, so I bet he will have ego flare-ups with Massa. And when that happens, things get sticky with Alonso.

No, FIA didn't allow Briatore to return, the French court system may have. FIA is deciding whether or not to appeal. The court found that FIA had acted improperly, but didn't rule on the facts of the case.

I'm thinking

1. Red Bull, probably Vettel
2. McLaren, Hamilton will eat Button for lunch
3. Ferrari...or they will utterly implode
4. Mercedes.

Now will USF1 make the grid??

I think USF1 will make the grid. Granted the only tangible thing we have seen is the tub, but it would be a lot of money to have wasted with respect to FIA entry and engine contract to pull out now.