With the new season closing in fast, it is time to get to get back up to speed with what the teams have been doing through the off-season, and their prospects for 2005. Atlas F1's Tom Keeble previews the field, ahead of the start to Formula One's 56th World Championship season

Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro First GP: Monaco 1950 GP Starts: 704 Wins: 182 Pole Positions: 178 Fastest Laps: 181 Drivers' Titles: 14 Constructors' Titles: 14

2004: Whilst some believe that 2004 was a wasted opportunity for Ferrari to have a 'perfect season' there is no doubt that they were the undisputed class of the field all year. The ball was dropped in Monaco - where Renault and BAR both looked to be in better shape - and McLaren's Raikkonen had the better of the team at Spa, but the team were coasting through the last third of the season with both Championships sown up, concentrating on developing the new car instead.

Off season: In Brazil, the ten teams besides Ferrari met to agree cost cutting measures from reduced testing. They met again, eventually agreeing voluntary testing limitations that Ferrari are not going to implement. Then, further adding fuel to the oft heard complaint of recent years that Ferrari are favoured, the team went alone in signing a 'new' Concorde agreement through 2012. At least it is now transparent that the team are in their personal league of one.

Testing: The team are continuing the recent tradition of extending the life of last season's car into the new season, so they have been testing a hybrid, F2004M, that conforms to the new regulations, whilst development continues on the new car behind the scenes. This car should not be mistaken for a remodelled F2004: attention to detail combined with Ferrari's legendary reliability should make it a top contender.

Summary: The team have been so strong in recent years that the only thing they can do to improve their record is win every race. In reality, the competition is getting stronger, so it is going to be a tough battle at the front. However, mistaking the F2004M for its predecessor is likely to be a mistake: this interim car has been carefully considered and is expected to be both quick and reliable from the outset - adding the comfort level from its known handling and set up characteristics, it means the team are looking forward to a strong start to the season before their new, fully optimised car breaks on to the scene. This outfit expect to be racing at the front, and head into the season as the team to beat. However, with their public refusal to limit testing and having signed their own exclusive agreement with Ecclestone making it clear they play with a stacked deck, Ferrari are going to have an uphill struggle retaining the respect of their peers and in the media, no matter the results on track.

Objectives: Both Championships, comprehensively.

Lucky Strike BAR Honda First GP: Australia 1999 GP Starts: 101 Wins: 0 Pole Positions: 1 Fastest Laps: 0 Drivers' Titles: 0 Constructors' Titles: 0

2004: Despite the form they showed in pre-season testing, the pace of BAR through 2004 was a revelation. Their second place in the Championship was just reward for stealing a march on their rivals. Although race wins eluded the team, once they sorted out the reliability issues that plagued Takuma Sato's opening races, the team were always one to watch. Late season tussles with Williams over Jenson Button and tussles with the teams over the legitimacy of key components detracted from an otherwise outstanding season.

Off season: Whilst the very public fight over Button's services was finally resolved in BAR's favour, there is little doubt that it has unsettled the team. The Briton's public resolve to fight the corner notwithstanding, there are doubts concerning his commitment and future that will persist into the season. Add to this the departure of David Richards, the man who orchestrated their move to the front of the grid - no matter how amicably - this team have clearly taken a hit on the continuity from their leading figures. On the other hand, their developmental innovation continues unchecked, including their revolutionary new non-CVT gearbox with driven up-shift capability.

Testing: In contrast to last season, where BAR were regularly head of the timesheets, testing through this off season has not revealed the same form to date. Whilst clearly capable of speed, it seems as though their sustained pace carries a significant cost; how much of this is due to testing against the full race distances on the tyres - which will pay off at the end of the races - versus maximising outright qualifying pace remains to be seen, but it seems no marches have been stolen this year: indeed, it seems Sato's complaint about a general lack of downforce seems to be the case. On the positive side, the team spent most of their test sessions running with an interim aero package, and Honda gave them interim engines whilst working on a unit to last two full weekends. The final form of the car in Melbourne could be considerably improved over the unreliable and nervous beast they tested with.

Summary: If the team maintain their progress from 2004, rebuild their confidence in Button and get behind Richard's successor (Nick Fry), they might finally get that win; however, with Williams and McLaren back on the ascendancy, retaining second in the Championship will be something of a tall order. Nevertheless, they should be capable of finishes in the points at every event, with regular visits to the podium.

Objectives: The team's first win is the only real objective this year - nothing else is as important, though staying in the top four is clearly on the agenda.

Mild Seven Renault F1 Team First GP: Britain 1977 GP Starts: 156 Wins: 17 Pole Positions: 36 Fastest Laps: 19 Drivers' Titles: 0 Constructors' Titles: 0

2004: After starting the season with excellent pace and great reliability, the team lost ground to resurgent Williams and McLaren efforts, whilst BAR's improving reliability finally gave them the points to pass Renault in the Championship. Sacking Trulli mid-season - bringing in Villeneuve to race his place - was an interesting aside to the season. All told, however, it was a solid season with great results, including a win in Monaco.

Off season: Evolving the R24 into the R25 has resulted in a fast car that has seen plenty of track time, not to mention giving the returning Fisichella a chance to acclimatise to his new team. Despite the revised regulations, the new car is lighter, stiffer, carrying a revised electronics package. On the downside, the launch control system that offered such a great advantage for race starts has had to be modified: the new electronic package is good, but so are those from the other front runners.

Testing: Although quick in testing, Renault have yet to demonstrate they can keep the pace up over a full race distance: like most of the front runners, they have a number of components coming through over before Melbourne. The team have covered plenty of miles, with apparently only limited reliability issues; the prognosis looks positive for their approach to the new season.

Summary: A positive off-season has seen the team looking set to arrive in Melbourne expecting to be close to the pace. Although Ferrari are widely expected to be the team to beat, Renault are wary of the progress McLaren and Williams have made, as well as their bugbear from last season, BAR. Although they should again be consistent, which is as important this year as last, it is going to be tougher than ever to win races; Alonso's raw speed notwithstanding, bringing Fisichella on board could prove a masterstroke, as the Italian has shown up a number of quick teammates by maximising his cars for a racing distance.

Objectives: Multiple race wins and a top three finish in the Championship: beating BAR is important.

BMW WilliamsF1 Team First GP: Argentina 1978 GP Starts: 446 Wins: 113 Pole Positions: 124 Fastest Laps: 128 Drivers' Titles: 7 Constructors' Titles: 9

2004: There is no doubt that Williams do not see last season as a gem to look back on. Starting off the pace, as things started coming together Ralf Schumacher was involved in a huge accident at Indianapolis, returning after announcing his signing with Toyota, whilst Juan Pablo Montoya was signed by McLaren the year before. On the positive side, the team demonstrated their normal dedication to excellence, improving the performance of the car in time for Montoya to close out the season by handing them a win.

Off season: For the most part, Williams have been playing a McLaren-like game, looking to stay out of the press. Following the huge media buildup to last season's disappointing opening race, this seems sensible. However, their reluctance to choose between Nick Heidfeld and Antonio Pizzonia still generated some interesting column inches. In the end, Heidfeld's excellent performance in adverse conditions proved decisive, gaining him the nod for a race seat alongside Webber this season.

Testing: Despite the distraction of choosing between two drivers, Williams have shown some good pace in testing. The car generally doesn't seem to have quite the pace of Renault or BAR, but it seems there has been an emphasis towards working over race distances, ensuring Michelin are prepared for the events ahead. The team are looking at McLaren as the outfit to beat for the early races, whilst withholding judgement on Ferrari until their real car breaks cover.

Summary: There is no doubt that this year will be a tough challenge, but this team are hungry for a return to winning ways. Even though they are likely to be off the ultimate pace of the front runners at the outset, they should be back for mid-season - the biggest question mark is over the time it takes their drivers to learn how to get the maximum out of the package.

Objectives: Win enough races to compete for the Constructors' Championship.

West McLaren Mercedes First GP: Monaco 1965 GP Starts: 577 Wins: 138 Pole Positions: 115 Fastest Laps: 113 Drivers' Titles: 11 Constructors' Titles: 8

2004: Despite an awful start to the season, with a car that was both off the pace and unreliable, McLaren turned their season around with a massively overhauled car introduced at the mid-season point. Reliability issues still plagued them, but the car was competitive, even winning in Spa on merit. The outgoing David Coulthard had a season to forget, but Kimi Raikkonen illustrated that his pace is as quick as ever.

Off season: Maintaining their traditionally quiet approach to off season development, little news has been forthcoming from McLaren. However, the Paragon centre is basically complete and occupied, reducing the distractions to the team and their organisation. The new car has been turned out on time, and it is looking set to reach Melbourne in a good state for racing: progress has been swift in testing and development, and the car has looked good in testing sessions with their rivals. Fans have been getting excited at the chance to see Raikkonen and Montoya head to head in the same equipment, recalling the days of Senna and Prost unfettered.

Testing: McLaren have regularly shown excellent pace in testing - enough to have their rivals believing they are set to be a front line competitor alongside Ferrari this year. Reliability, always a problem for the team, has raised its head relatively rarely for this team, and Montoya seems to be taking very little time getting to grips with his new ride.

Summary: With Ferrari's new car staying under wraps until the European season is under way, the new McLaren combined with two of the most promising drivers of the generation is clearly a strong challenger. They must be aiming to compete for race wins and the Championships from the outset. Whilst clearly recognising that Ferrari with their sole tyre supplier is going to be a tough nut to crack, McLaren are one of the few outfits with the pedigree to bounce back yet again to challenge at the front.

Objectives: Both Championships.

Sauber Petronas First GP: S. Africa 1993 GP Starts: 197 Wins: 0 Pole Positions: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Drivers' Titles: 0 Constructors' Titles: 0

2004: It looked like business as usual from Sauber in 2004. Thanks to running the same engines as Ferrari, they started the season in good form and provided the midfield with a good example of how to chase points: Sauber picked up theirs by consistently being in the right place to pick them up with the top five teams of the year dropped the ball.

Off season: Politically, Sauber surprised most onlookers by standing with the other teams rather than Ferrari when the discussions on cost cutting took place. The apparent rift between these teams doesn't seem to have cost them their engine deal though - the new season again has Sauber using the same specification engine as Ferrari; however, they are doing their own work in the power train, building their own gearbox in order to maximise the strengths of their own car. The new car features also a very significant change: the move to Michelin rubber.

Testing: With tyres a huge factor for performance, it is little surprise that Sauber launched fairly early in order to learn about their new boots. Furthermore, with their new wind tunnel available, the new car demonstrates a considerable evolution from the aero package. However, they are having two very different experiences from their drivers: in Massa's hands, the car is quick and apparently a competitive midfield runner, whilst Villeneuve has mostly sat at the bottom of the timesheets. The team have them running different programs, but it doesn't hide the fact that the '97 World Champion is off the pace of his teammate. Then again, he is still getting up to speed with the car and the team.

Summary: Massa's speed is undeniable; if it spurs Villeneuve to perform then the outfit will be very solid in the midfield. By moving to Michelin, they can be expected to be strong contenders, looking to land top ten results at every race and picking up regular points whenever the bigger teams drop the ball. With the voluntary testing limits threatening to slow in-season development of the other mid-field runners, Sauber could be looking at a stronger than average season.

Objectives: To score points at every race - and continue racing better than their big budget midfield competitors.

Red Bull Racing First GP: Australia 2005 GP Starts: 0 Wins: - Pole Positions: - Fastest Laps: - Drivers' Titles: - Constructors' Titles: -

2004: Despite working with a reduced budget, Jaguar went into last season looking for a step forward, after managing to retain their management structure for the longest period in their history. However, the team never really performed, so they failed to score sufficient points to retain Webber. And then, Ford put them up for sale. Consequently, it was little surprise that they started bleeding staff and sponsors like the proverbial sinking ship.

Off season: Speculation that Red Bull were in talks with Ford over purchasing the team proved correct when the outfit were sold lock, stock and barrel. The team hired David Coulthard to lead, but kept Christian Klien and hired F3000 champion Vitantonio Liuzzi to 'share' the second seat. There were casualties from the takeover at the top: Christian Horner replaces Tony Purnell as Sporting Director, whilst Gunther Steiner has been appointed Technical Director, following the retirement of Malcolm Oastler. Naturally, the uncertain future followed by management changes means that there have been some interesting moral issues at the factory, but with the new season looming, on the surface at least, it appears that the outfit ares returning to business as usual.

Testing: The revised car, RB1, is not showing a lot more than its predecessor, the R5 - though in the hands of David Coulthard at least, the car has shown that occasional turns of speed are definitely possible. Whether the team have returned to their excellent qualifying car from two years ago that simply ate through tyres come race day, or this is an altogether more complete package, we can't know for sure until Melbourne. However, there is now sufficient funds behind the team to get some real development into place as the season progresses.

Summary: Rebranding the team have not eliminated the problems - but the cash influx should allow rebuilding to take place, potentially allowing a stronger finish to the season: however, cash alone won't move the team forward, as both BAR and Toyota can attest. Realistically, even with the experience of Coulthard in the car, staying away from the back of the midfield is going to be a challenge this year.

Objectives: Score some points. Build up the team for 2006.

Panasonic Toyota Racing First GP: Australia 2002 GP Starts: 51 Wins: 0 Pole Positions: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Drivers' Titles: 0 Constructors' Titles: 0

2004: The Toyota engine may have been the class of the field in 2004, but if that was the case, the team still had little to shout about, as they started the year well off the pace. New hire Mike Gascoyne set up revising the car, introducing a raft of mid-season changes that significantly moved performance forward. However, it was not enough to move the team up the grid, so his reputation remained on the line heading into the off-season. The team picked up Jarno Trulli after Renault dropped the Monaco winner: he promptly set about integrating himself into the team. Ralf Schumacher's signing from Williams completed a strong line-up for the new year.

Off season: The initial version of the 2005 car was launched early, with the intention of confirming the validity of the mechanical package and monocoque in particular before introducing a completely revised aero package - this variation on an interim car lends the team far more experience with the final package than running parts on the previous car; as a further bonus, work on reliability has more validity in this package. This is also useful for the engine team, so they know it works as a stressed chassis member in the final chassis on the track.

Testing: Early testing revealed that the car is really quite quick - but at the cost of chewing up the tyres. After improving their understanding of how to use their tyres effectively without destroying them, it seems the lessons learned impacted the redesign of the aerodynamics: this is a factor in the package being changed completely.

Summary: If Gascoyne has got his homework right, the team will arrive in Melbourne with a package that matches their engine and two experienced drivers to leverage it. The step forward is unlikely to match that made by BAR last season, but it should at least offer Toyota a chance to compete for points at most races. If they can focus on developing the car in the same fashion as last year, they should finish even stronger than they start: this could lead to podiums.

Objectives: Targeting a race win is too optimistic, but failing to score regular points finishes, with occasional podiums, would be a disappointment.

Jordan Toyota First GP: USA 1991 GP Starts: 231 Wins: 4 Pole Positions: 2 Fastest Laps: 2 Drivers' Titles: 0 Constructors' Titles: 0

2004: With budget constraints limiting development and testing through the year, Jordan finished behind all their better funded rivals, with a car that was evil handling out of the box. Had they been able to develop that characteristic out of the car, they could have given Toyota and Jaguar a harder time, but the struggle for cash was really the story of their year.

Off season: Jaguar's departure from the sport - and with it Jordan's Ford engine supply - put the team's future in doubt, until they closed a deal with Toyota. Then the takeover by the Midland Group, moving ex-owner Eddie Jordan to marketing, looks set to bring an influx of cash to the team. Whether they can adjust to the new management and get behind Colin Kolles and Trevor Carlin remains to be seen, but there is already concern over the appointment of novice drivers Tiago Monteiro and Narain Karthikeyan to the formula as drivers. It is too late to make much difference to the car that will be going to Melbourne, but it implies that there will be a real development program that should improve prospects as the year wears on.

Testing: Limited testing miles have not revealed much about the new Jordan, though at least it appears relatively reliable. Speeds have not been fantastic, but considering the lack of experience driving the car, it is difficult to know if this is due to inherent performance issues, inexperience of getting the most from a Formula One car and the new Toyota engines, or a combination of the lot.

Summary: It seems almost as though the team could be in a holding pattern to slide through 2005 with a minimum of fuss (and perhaps, expenditure), before launching a proper assault under the Midland brand. This would not endear the new owner and management to the team, who have worked hard and loyally for Eddie over the years. However, if the rookie drivers prove talented and the funding appears to test and develop, the team could pick up some real momentum.

Objectives: Beating Minardi and scoring points, this year, without losing the fan base: restructuring in preparation for 2006 is the real priority.

Minardi Cosworth First GP: Brazil 1985 GP Starts: 321 Wins: 0 Pole Positions: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Drivers' Titles: 0 Constructors' Titles: 0

2004: It was business as usual for Minardi in 2004, with Paul Stoddart's political manoeuvres offering fans good visibility on the workings of the teams interactions between themselves and the FIA. It was even a successful season on the track in Minardi terms, with a point scored at the US Grand Prix.

Off season: The politics have continued, with some letters between Stoddart and the FIA's Max Mosley being publicised. The team have not had the funds to do much more than revisit the PS04B (which itself was a development of 2003's PS03) to bring it into line with the new safety regulations - for crash tests only. The team are set to run according to the 2004 aerodynamics and one-race per engine rule until the circus gets to Europe and they have had a chance to get their new car out. Fund raising exercises from auctioning memorabilia and running their 2-seater cars at test sessions have put the team in a position to make the grid this year.

Testing: There has been very limited testing, besides the fund raising exercises. The testing they have had in the 'interim' cars has been to basically allowed their drivers to acclimatise to the team.

Summary: The team's prospects continue to look poor on track, as they are clearly lacking the budget to compete with anyone else on the grid. Whilst, initially, they might push Jordan and Red-Bull along, without a sudden income of cash, they are going to make no real progress though the season, and can only hope for poor reliability from their competitors to score any points. There is a good chance they will be precluded from racing in the opening events until a car that conforms to this year's aero package is introduced.

Objectives: Score a point. Survive another year.

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