Spain hosts the 2015 Formula 1 season tests

It is difficult to draw definitive conclusions after the first few laps of the new single-seaters, but a trend seems to be emerging. Here is an example that could give an idea of how the 2015 season will begin.

Official testing began on Sunday in Jerez, southern Spain, marking the return of F1 to the circuit after a few weeks of enforced downtime. The highlight of the first sessions was the launch of Honda's brand new hybrid engine. The results were fairly predictable: Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button kept their McLarens out of the spotlight, avoiding any attempts at fast laps. We will probably have to wait until the next test weekend in Barcelona to get a clearer idea of how the Japanese engine fits into the British chassis. Ferrari, meanwhile, showed promising speed. Sebastian Vettel, sporting an unusually understated helmet, dominated the timesheets in the first two sessions, while Kimi Räikkönen also posted good results, which is surprising given the Scuderia's modest pre-season statements, which suggested a low-key year.

Red Bull took a low-key approach, concealing the RB11 under a sober livery that would have gone unnoticed had it not been for Daniel Ricciardo's rise to the top of the standings and the damage to Daniil Kvyat's front wing. In just a few laps, both drivers have already given a glimpse of what the season could hold for the team.

The midfield teams have been relatively quiet. Williams, considered by some to be a potential title contender, looks set to gain momentum in the coming weeks. Lotus spent time acclimating to its new Mercedes hybrid engine, hoping for a breakthrough, while Sauber unveiled a new livery and posted surprisingly fast times, likely in an effort to attract wealthy sponsors and fill the gaps in its budget and yellow-and-blue color scheme.

Force India was absent from Jerez, and rumors of financial difficulties continue to swirl around the team. That cloud of uncertainty no longer hangs over Caterham and Manor, both of which are expected to sit out the season unless an unlikely miracle occurs, as Formula 1 has sometimes demonstrated in the past.