The return of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher to Formula 1 in 2010 has understandably set motorsport fans’ hearts pumping, but his return is only one of many major talking points that should make this F1 season the most intriguing in years.

Forgetting Schumacher for the moment (if that’s possible), some of the things to get excited about this season are:

- The traditional powerhouses versus the new ones. Last season saw the F1 pecking order turned on its head by the remarkable rise of Brawn GP – from the ashes of Honda to Mercedes’ return as a fully-fledged manufacturer.

The battle between Mercedes, their chief rivals from last season Red Bull Racing and the rebounding powerhouses of Ferrari and McLaren gives F1 serious depth of talent at the frontend of the grid.

There is a definitive “big four” in F1 this season.

- Aussie Mark Webber in an energised Red Bull. Webber is now a multiple grand prix winner. The monkey is off his back. In a competitive Adrian Newey designed Red Bull, Webber will be a contender this season, and must stay in touch with highly rated teammate Sebastian Vettel.

- Button versus Hamilton at McLaren. The two most recent world champions, who hail from the same F1-mad country, pitted against one another will be a fascinating duel to watch develop. Can Button keep pace the Hamilton?

- Alonso at Ferrari. A double world champion joining Ferrari would ordinarily be the major talking point heading into a new season, but another former world champ stole the headlines.

After two disgruntled seasons in an uncompetitive Renault following on from his spectacular (on and off the track) season with McLaren, Alonso is back where he belongs at the frontend of the grid.

- The new teams. The off-season was characterised by the saga involving US F1’s failed attempt to get on the grid in time, and watching the progress of new teams Lotus, Virgin and HRT will be fascinating. Can they stay in contention with F1’s regulars on a tight budget?

- The new regulations. It wouldn’t be a new F1 season without a new set of regulations for the teams and fans to get their heads around. This season, two major changes will have the greatest impact.

Firstly, there is a new points system to get our head around, with 25 points for a win, 18 for second and 15 for third, followed by 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 and one.

Secondly, refuelling in races is gone. Hopefully the regulation change will prompt some strategy divergence to spice up the racing. Whether this happens remains to be seen.

- Finally, Schumacher’s return. This will be the talking point of 2010. His every move and his speed will be analysed and discussed intensely. Can the driver who ruled F1 like a king reconquer his empire?

Just having him on the grid, racing against the new generation of Hamilton, Vettel and the likes, will be special enough for many F1 fans.

There are plenty of reasons to turn the dial to ONE HD every second Sunday over the course of the year.

Here are my fearless predictions for 2010:

Drivers’ champion: Fernando Alonso. Ferrari’s pace, especially on long runs, combined with Alonso’s talent, experience and motivation gives the Spaniard a slight edge. It’ll be close, though.

Constructors’ champion: McLaren. The battle between the Brits and McLaren’s ability to develop a race-winning car (last year’s resurgence was staggering) will help McLaren get the better of Ferrari in a close one.

Also, I’ll predict a vintage year for competitiveness and close racing.

At the very least we can be grateful we are talking about on-track action rather than off-track politics. Let’s hope F1 doesn’t let us down.

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