Having analysed each driver's performance closely over 2010, Mark Hughes is perfectly placed to offer his top ten drivers of the year. Prepare yourself, you could be in for a surprise...

10. Kamui Kobayashi

Gets the nod over Hulkenberg for this spot on account of his great overtaking ability – good enough that Sauber was confident to leave him out very long at Valencia and Suzuka, knowing that he'd be able to use the grip advantage of new rubber to pass.

Despite his on-the-edge style there were relatively few incidents and although his outright pace wasn't consistently startling – he was no quicker overall than Pedro de la Rosa – there were enough flashes of it to suggest that he may in time combine all the qualities necessary to give Japan that elusive top-line grand prix driver.

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