The F1 field remains cautious about naming the favorite for 2009

The current hierarchy suggests that the 2009 championships could ultimately be contested between Brawn GP powered by Mercedes and Red Bull equipped with a Renault engine.

These two teams completed a double in the race (Australia for Brawn GP and China for Red Bull), while the second race of the season in Malaysia was won by a Brawn driver (Jenson Button). However, no team is ready to accept the label of favorite just days before the upcoming Grand Prix in Bahrain.

“Our main competitors will be Red Bull and Toyota,” said championship leader Jenson Button. “Toyota did not have a good weekend in China, but their drivers will be strong.”

The Briton believes that new serious competitors should emerge with the arrival of Formula 1 in Europe as they will deploy new elements resulting from their developments.

Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber calmly finished first and second last Sunday in China on a wet track, but team boss Christian Horner refuses to count his chickens before they’re hatched!

« It’s too early to say anything. Don’t forget that McLaren and Ferrari will wake up soon, » he stated to the Telegraph.

The weather for this weekend in Bahrain forecasts very dry conditions, which could mean a return of Brawn’s superiority; Webber remains on his guard.

And for good reason, considering the Q3 fuel loads, Rubens Barrichello and Jenson Button dominated the Shanghai qualifying.

« This car is certainly very high-performing, » admitted the Australian on the BBC.