While F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is delighted to see Michael Schumacher return to the sport, one of several factors contributing to the most noticeable pre-season buzz in recent history, the Englishman doubts whether the German will win the title.

Codemasters picked up the license to produce the official F1 videogame in 2008 and Pitpass' business editor Chris Sylt has been given an exclusive presentation of its efforts which will truly rev up the franchise.

If you think that F1 has it bad at the moment having only recently found out how many teams will be on the grid for Sunday's season-opener in Bahrain, spare a thought for the people behind its sister series GP3.

Karun Chandhok is one of five new drivers on the grid this year and brings India back into the Formula 1 frame, with Narain Karthikeyan having been the country's first representative courtesy of his drive for Jordan in 2005. Despite being unable to hide his delight over signing with Hispania Racing, the 26-year-old remains pragmatic.

With the last driver confirmed just eight days before the first practice session of the season in Bahrain, it is finally a 24-car grid which will line up for this year's FIA Formula One World Championship, which promises to be one of the best ever.

One country which could clearly do with the reputational boost which F1 brings is Iraq. But the sport would never go there would it?

After fielding Adrian Zaugg and Plamen Kralev in the most recent event, Trident Racing has reunited with Dani Clos for the season finale.

Alvaro Parente will race with Scuderia Coloni in the final event of the GP2 Asia season.

"It would be nice to score a point, but it is not going to be easy," admits Jarno Trulli. "We have to be realistic."

Renault F1's team principal Eric Boullier says the new season is a fresh start after a year of controversy.

Robert Kubica and Vitaly Petrov look agead to this weekend's Bahrain GP.

Having joined Force India as the team's official test and reserve driver for this season, Scotland's Paul di Resta will be on-hand at every Grand Prix in 2010 in order to substitute for the team's regular drivers, if necessary, as well as driving in several Friday first practice sessions. However, there will be no on-track activity for the DTM driver this weekend.