It's finally here. The anticipation has reached boiling point, but the 2010 Formula 1 season is going to begin this weekend. Here's our guide to prepare you for when the talking stops and the engines start

February's 15 days of testing in Spain have attracted unprecedented interest from fans and media alike, and you could justifiably describe the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix as one of the most eagerly-anticipated races in Formula 1 history.

Why? Because on top of the usual excitement that surrounds the start of season, we've got the return of Michael Schuamcher to F1, Fernando Alonso's race debut as the saviour of Ferrari and the tantalising prospect of the last two world champions – Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton – going head-to-head in anger as team-mates. Whatever happens, it's not going to be dull.

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