On the face of it, today's European Grand Prix should be a repeat of the cat-and-mouse game we witnessed at Imola two weeks ago, with Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso vying for the roles of Tom and Jerry - the German hoping for some able support from his Brazilian teammate.

However, we learned long ago to always expect the unexpected at this 'Mickey Mouse' track (sorry), so let's not go taking anything for granted.

Though the weather is unlikely to play a key role, unlike in 1999 when Johnny Herbert gave Stewart a surprise win, it is the run to the first corner that could well decide the outcome of the race.

Passing is notoriously difficult here (groan), and therefore it is fair to say that whoever is leading when the field exits the Castrol-S just 650 metres after the start, will probable have the upper hand for the remainder of the afternoon.

Until yesterday's qualifying session, it appeared that Ferrari had the upper hand, the pace discovered at Imola proving to be no flash-in-the-pan. However, we now know that Fernando Alonso's R26 is more than capable of matching the 248. Then again, sitting on the pitwall are two of the best strategists in the business, Ross Brawn and Pat Symonds. Both men came in to play at Imola and both men are keen to get involved again today, consequently, as ever, keep an eye on those fuel loads.

Over the years we've witnessed a number of 'incidents' at the first corner here, so there is still the chance of a major upset just seconds into the race - we refer, of course, to drivers prone to over enthusiasm, drivers such as Massa, Montoya, Ralf and Rosberg.

Though the race is likely to become a two-man affair, with Massa likely riding shotgun for his partner, it would be unwise to write off Raikkonen or even the Hondas, though Jenson Button has already dismissed any hopes of a surprise (first) victory. Furthermore, at a circuit famous for its lack of overtaking opportunities, it's worth watching how drivers deal with the king of the mobile chicanes, Jarno Trulli, who starts seventh on the grid.

Although the World Championship (before today) is only four races old, it should be noted that Alonso already enjoys a 15-point lead. Therefore, considering the points system, which doesn't exactly reward 'going for the win', not to mention the bullet-proof reliability of the Renault, it won't be too long before the Spaniard can start making room on his mantelpiece for that second drivers' trophy. Which, in all honesty, following several years of 'red washes' would be totally in the best interest of the sport.

As the cars make their way to the grid the sun is shining, with hardly a cloud in the sky. The air temperature is 20 degrees C, and that track temperature is 38 degrees.

As the field heads off on the parade lap Alonso appears to stall, just it's simply a minor glitch, he's soon heading the pack around the German track.

It's almost a sea of red, the fans wave their flags and sound their klaxons, their hero is back in winning mode.

Alonso takes his place on the grid, the rest of the cars take their places.

Alonso gets away cleanly, while Massa appears to have the3 edge over Michael, however the Brazilian yields at the first corner. At the first corner there's a bit of a misunderstanding, resulting in damage to Liuzzi's car.