After the long winter break Formula One is finally back. The first race of the seasons from Melbourne Australia took place over night, but who finished were and what does this mean?

The race was unique in many ways. First there have been many driver changes and also there was the absence of Michael Schumacher on the grid for the first time in 15 years. Also there was a young British rookie named Lewis Hamilton who was competing in his first F1 race for the McLaren team.

The result was perhaps inevitable with Kimi Raikkonen taking the victory with a well driven race that was relatively simple. Alonso (the current world champion) picked up second and amazingly in his first race Lewis Hamilton finished in third. This is a truly remarkable achievement for a Formula One driver in his first race, never before done by a Britain.

It is good to have the sport back and I think it is good to have it without Michael Schumacher. Although he was a true great he did have the influence of bullying the rest of the field and therefore with him gone we may well see a more intense competition. I am well and truly looking forward to the rest of the season.