So the 2009 F1 season is creeping up.  The following link isa to a cool animation by hte Redbull team which explains hte major rule changes, which are quite significant.
http://www.redbullracing.com/en/4th-Sector/Webber--Vettel-Rip-Through-The-Rule-Book/

So of all those these I'll be watching for the following initially, How will teams manage there engine. Will they somehow tweak one for qualifying much like when they used to have special tyres for qualifying.
Also in the pre season some teams have bee trying external wheel plates which cover most f the tyre rubber, for better aero and brake cooling.   I've been speculating that this could reduce the risk of hte tyre puncturing if they clip someone elses car and also how much damage it will inflict on the other car, such as ripping off hte front wing which is now nicely exposed.
Not to mentioned is the fact F1 have asked the tyre supplier to create a bigger difference between the tyres, so that on the two types they get for a race one type should be at least half a second slower. (using both types in a dry race is mandatory)

anyhow predictions (which include personal bias)
ferrari to be weaker,
renault and bmw to be stronger.
Redbull and STR, dark hourses, (will STR continue to get good ferrari engines or will they be lumped witht he second rate ones again)
Williams to be so bland no one cares, same with toyota
Force India to continue to woden spoon, well with the exception of the as yet to be sold honda team
Maclaren to be on form

Stand by for updates on how wrong i am.