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Feature: Why 2015 is a big year for...In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, each race, and every season, counts. Ahead of this weekend's season-opening Australian Grand Prix, GPUpdate.net looks at why 2015 is important for those competing.
McLarenJust where McLaren-Honda will slot in among the competitive order in 2015 remains guesswork but this is a massive year for both parties. Firstly, McLaren requires a vast improvement to its chassis after two cars best described as 'challenging'. The acquisition of Peter Prodromou should help and the drivers were positive over the car's potential, albeit hidden by recurring issues.
For Honda, it has to prove that it can compete in the sport after walking away in 2008 after several uncompetitive campaigns; however, Honda's pre-season testing campaign was more akin to Renault's in 2014 than that enjoyed by Mercedes. Both parties are adamant that they will win, and consequently face embarrassment if the project is anything but a meteoric success. The early races, on current judgement, may be a chastening experience. How Honda fares may also give manufacturers pondering an F1 entry whether it is worth joining the sport, so its progress will be closely tracked.
Fernando Alonso has little to prove as a driver but on a personal level he'd dearly love to achieve long-term success with McLaren after his tumultuous 2007 campaign and years of being unable to take a title with Ferrari, despite his best efforts. His heavy crash during testing, though, scuppered his pre-season and he will be absent from Australia. Jenson Button remains a fine racing driver and ambassador for the sport; but few would expect him to consistently take it to Alonso, therefore he has little to lose. It may not be a big year for Kevin Magnussen, but perhaps just a big race this weekend – if he performs solidly, or out-races Button, people will sit up and take notice.
the other teams on the grid