In the eyes of some, if the two GP2 races were anything to go by then today's European GP could see a number of cars wiped out on the first lap.

Then again, most of the incidents in both races were more about downright stupidity than over enthusiasm or 'race incidents'. After all, the F1 boys are a lot more sensible than their GP2 counterparts, aren't they?

If we have learned anything from the GP2 races - other than the fact that most of these guys should never be let anywhere near an F1 car - it is that the second slot on the grid (Mark Webber) might have a slight advantage this afternoon.

With the weather not likely to be a problem, we have to look to tyre strategy and first lap madness if we are to see the field finish in a different order than which it leaves the grid, after all, as the pre-event press releases made quite clear, Valencia isn't a circuit where you can overtake. Thanks Bernie.

With an eye on this afternoon's World Cup match between England and German, Vettel will be keen to score an early goal against Lewis Hamilton and McLaren. However, the fact that Australia's World Cup is over shouldn't deter Mark Webber, particularly if the Australian is able to do at the start of today's race what he did in Malaysia.

Then again, let's never forget what happened in Turkey. No matter how many pictures and press releases are issued - and contracts renewed - damage was done that day, and the festering wound that resulted is still there, albeit covered by a bandage.

Over the last 72 hours the pundits have done 180 degrees. Initially favouring McLaren, claiming that this track wouldn't suit the Red Bulls, they now insist that for the Woking team today is about damage limitation as its Austrian rivals head for a 1-2.

Other than Vettel, Webber and Hamilton, keep an eye on the Ferraris which are looking much improved this weekend, despite Fernando Alonso's constant whining that his team must work harder.

Ever the dark horse, Robert Kubica could pull a surprise, the Pole having looked good all weekend. The fact that his teammate also qualified in the Top Ten must surely give Renault a boost, providing Petrov can keep out of trouble on the opening lap.

Jenson Button was almost as disappointed as Webber after qualifying, however, it would be wrong to write off the world champion, especially as tyre wear could be a problem in the latter stages of the race.

The Williams duo of Barrichello and Hulkenberg pulled out all the stops in their bid to make it into Q3 and it paid off. However, it remains to be seen whether the Grove duo can convert this into a points finish. There are some in the paddock getting very frustrated with the team's lack of real progress.

If Force India is disappointed not to have got at least one car into Q3 imagine how Mercedes must feel, the German team having its worst session of the season. At a time when it was expected that the Brackley-based outfit might take a step forward, it appears to have actually fallen behind, much to the obvious delight of some sections of the British media.

The German team is one of three running a heavily revised car here, mainly focussing on the blown diffuser. However, whereas Ferrari and Renault have made progress, Mercedes - despite the genius of Ross Brawn and his team - clearly hasn't.