If you're not an F1 race fan please accept my apologies for this post. But as one who's been watching F1 for decades and sometimes commenting on said races for radio and TV, I can't resist suggesting that the new season is off to a terrific start. Controversies aside (there's been plenty of that) it's an absolute delight to see new teams and drivers up front. Brawn F1 has trounced the Ferrari and MacLaren teams and Jenson Button (not Hamilton nor Raikonnen) is the man to watch for the 2009 championship.

If that seems odd, consider that the young Brit, a decade ago, was a youth sensation predicted to be a future star. As sometimes happens in F1, Button was never with the right team at the right time.

The season opener in Australia was entertaining enough but the Malaysia GP topped it with a thunder and rain display that put an end to the fun far too soon. The Singapore race, next and F1's second event under the night lights, will possibly determine the championship. That's if it doesn't rain, if Ferrari gets its game right, and if MacLaren survives the latest Liargate accusations.

Racing in the Rain? My first experience was in a "Touring Car" race in Ontario's Harewood Acres circuit. I wasn't concerned about traction as I was pretty good at oversteering my much-modified VW on ice and snow but the sudden lack of vision due to spray from other cars as we headed into turn eight was unexpected. I survived with a first-in-class but in spite of the difference in speeds I can relate to the F1 drivers. Whether they can relate to me is doubtful unless someone remembers his amateur days. Regardless, I suggest that the 2009 F1 season is racing world's one to watch.