Force India-Mercedes

Not for a long time has the Silverstone-based Force India (formerly Spyker, used to be Midland, nee Jordan) started a season with so much optimism. The 'technical partnership' with McLaren-Mercedes gives it a Silver Arrows powertrain which, harnessed to the team's first all-new car for a long time, could make it a regular points scorer.

It's a three-year deal, which means this is a first step on the road that could take the team to regular podiums in 2011. Considering the lateness of the car, a successful year would mean picking up a handful of points.