On the grid, top to bottom

MERCEDES (1st last season)

All-conquering German Formula One masters. Head and shoulders above the chasing pack over the past two seasons. Led by the eloquent Toto Wolff and F1 legend Niki Lauda, it is difficult to see beyond a third straight constructors title for the team. The only burning question is whether Nico Rosberg can finally best his archrival, Lewis Hamilton, for the drivers' title. In preseason testing Mercedes piled on the miles - 3,742 of them - to advertise its remarkable reliability as Melbourne looms. That, linked with a formidable management structure and two of the best drivers in the business should once again prove an unstoppable combination.

FERRARI (2nd)