Well, I say the Bahrain GP but there is nothing to report that has not been said already, I think. Once Massa surged ahead at the start and grabbed the first corner, the race was as good as won. We hoped that there might be some clever pitstop strategy to enable Raikkonen to get ahead (which would have been better for Ferrari long term too) but no such luck; Felipe had a point to prove and did so.
Robert Kubica and shut lines
One unexpected outcome of BMW's success so far this season has been the emergence of BMW supporters where there appeared to be only caution and doubt before. Suddenly it appears that half the blogs on the net are BMW fans and want them to get that GP win Dr Theissen is aiming at this year. I must be magnanimous in welcoming them aboard (it is always good to see true class being recognized at last) but cannot resist pointing out that a few of us have been believers for a long time. More courage in convictions needed, ladies and gentlemen!
It is not enough to nod sagely at this stage and talk of a third team in contention for honors; that is obvious now and the time to be saying it was before the year began. The test now is whether you can believe for the season. There are aspects of BMW's form that can assist in this - the quiet and efficient handling of the team by Dr Theissen, the solid realism of the drivers, the impeccable turn-out of the cars (have a close look at the detail work on the cars and see the tight and regular shut lines*) and the fact that they are now leading the Constructors' Championship.
Some faith is still required in BMW's ability to stay with the leaders all season and to win the races they will need if a championship is really possible. And that is where the rubber hits the road. Brave souls might begin to see that the Constructors' trophy is not an impossible dream. Courageous optimists might even go so far as to predict the WDC for Robert Kubica. But who will join me in going out on the limb that is the belief in Nick Heidfeld as Champion? Ah, that is where I see fewer hands going up...
It is a demanding life, being a BMW supporter. But not as hard as sticking with Max Mosley, it seems. When even your close compadres keep their distance, it is time to admit that the deodorant is not working.
And it is the sex scandal that gives rise to one claim for quote of the week, delivered with characteristic Australian tact:
"This arsehole has got to go for the sake of the sport" - Paul Stoddart's comment on Max to the Australian magazine, Weekend.
It's a good one, I admit but I think I prefer something Alonso said after the Bahrain GP:
"...you could say that Fisichella made the better move (for 2008)".
Dare we guess that there might be a certain amount of Heikki-envy mixed up in that too? But Fernando is right in a way to point at Fizzy - the Renault reject is carving out a new reputation for himself at Force India, taking the fight to established teams and shaming his team mate in the process. Vijay Mallya must be pleased with such an acquisition, a bargain basement price for a talent that has plenty of mileage left.
To be honest, I think Alonso is doing his reputation no harm by this season with Renault. In hauling an obviously uncompetitive car up the order, he is showing us the extent of his considerable ability and proving that he can cope with adversity too. Our perception of his character may have been changed by the squabbles of 2007 but there is no denying the fact that he earned his two championships through outstanding talent.
And that is about it for Bahrain - not a hugely exciting race but interesting in its pointers for the future. My final question is this: Can Mclaren scramble their way back to number two status this year?
* Shut lines are those lines between adjoining pieces of bodywork - so visible and inconsistent on a poorly-built car and almost invisible on the best.