While rain, far less failing light, are highly unlikely to cause a problem this afternoon, there are still fears that the Bahrain International Circuit could be hit by a sandstorm.

Hard to believe one might think, however, let's not forget that almost two full days were lost here earlier in the year due to sandstorms when Ferrari, Toyota and BMW were testing here.

While it is great to see Toyota dominating the front row here, it is highly unlikely that the Japanese team will be celebrating its maiden GP win later this afternoon. Both Trulli and Glock were running on fumes yesterday, and will be the first to make a regular fuel stop this afternoon. Then again, we can probably expect to see the Cologne based outfit take away a decent amount of points today, if not a podium place.

Surprisingly, both Brawns were running heavy, as was Alonso and Hamilton. Therefore, taking all things into account, one has to say that Sepang winner Sebastian Vettel starts as favourite here today, the German running considerably heavier than anyone else at the front of the grid.

Spare a thought for Mark Webber also, for when the Australian claimed that the incident in Q1 "screwed" his race he meant it. The Red Bull has pace, as does Webber, it was also on a good fuel strategy. However, starting from eighteenth on the grid after being impeded by Sutil - who was subsequently penalized - the odds are very much against the popular Australian. That said, we wouldn't bet against a points finish.

While Brawn claim that they lack pace here, do not make the mistake of writing them off, while Vettel looks to be set for another win, we are convinced that both Button and Barrichello will give the German a run for his money.

Despite the early promise this weekend, McLaren has not made that big a step forward, though there is a clear improvement. That said, it is probably fair to say that the Woking team is more focussed on what will happen later this week in Paris rather than what happens here this afternoon. Ahead of the WMSC ruling on 'lie-gate', not to mention the raft of new components due to be introduced in Spain and beyond, it will all be about damage limitation for Lewis and co.

Renault is looking a little better this weekend, however, the real pressure is on Nelson Piquet, who is thought to have just a couple more races in which to prove himself. The Brazilian has the new interim diffuser this weekend, which should help him give a better account of himself. Sadly, like so many before him, despite looking good in the lower formulae, he has never quite cut it in F1. This could be his last chance. As for Alonso… write off the wily old fox at your peril.

Hopefully Williams will finally convert its incredible practice pace into race results, however, like Piquet, Kazuki Nakajima needs to raise his game, the Japanese driver having been consistently out-performed by his German teammate.

Talking of Germans, don't expect much from BMW this afternoon, who appear to have put all their faith in a brave strategic gamble, both drivers running heavier than anyone else and possibly even on a one-stop strategy.