What to look out for in 2012

WEC
2012 is going to be all about the Hybrid. With the formation of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the entry of Toyota it will once again be between 2 giants of the motoring world.

After the news that Peugeot had pulled the plug on their endurance program the competition was looking slim within the new WEC but Toyata took the bate and stepped up, confirming a double entry in the season highlight at Le Mans but taking on 4 Audi’s will be tough but fascinating for us fans.

A third Manufacturer will also be making an appearance, Mazda being run by Dyson Racing have been accepted by the ACO for the 24hrs of Le Mans. It remains how much the Mazda factory are involved within the development of the Lola.

Expect the unexpected.

The LMP2 category's surprisingly has a strong entry for 2012 WEC with 9 teams competing throughout the season, being doubled for Le Mans. Even though this is the second tier within the WEC do not discount it, I believe LMP2 will provide some of the best racing as long as the fragile nature of the cars can be sorted.

All 9 WEC entries have a tie up with a manufacturer Honda, Nissan cover most entrants with Morgan and Lotus joining the Japanese firms.

DTM
This could be the best year for DTM for a while, BMW have entered this years championship and the full might and resources being thrown into the V8 touring car series.

Audi and Mercedes the longer established teams within DTM could be in for a surprise. Two further reasons to watch will include Andy Priaulx and the fact the cars themselves are stunning.

MOTOGP
I say this because I can see a resurgence from Ducati and the reemergence of Valentiono Rossi and that is always great for the sport. Stoner will be on a strong Honda, Lorenzo returning from injury and appearing back on the Yamaha all signs are good for a great season.

Also the top bikes will be built to the latest rules moving on from 800cc machines to 1000cc! That alone must be worth a look.


INDYCAR
After the tragic events at Las Vegas in the final 2011 round of the which saw the passing of Dan Wheldon, 2012 will debut the car Dan helped to develop, the DW12.

An up and down season last year as regards driving standards and officals 2012 will be a step forward in all respects. Changes have been made throughout the series and I see a great year ahead.

New engines from Honda, Chevrolet and Lotus split throughout the grid will provide another element to mix up the season. The new car is new to everyone and I can see a a lower ranked team competing with the likes of Ganassi. Returning drivers and new drivers will also add another exciting mix.

SKYSPORTSF1
Regardless of the politics which have lead to sky showing F1 in the UK and fact we must pay for it. I can see Sky stepping up the level of coverage available to fans for 2012 and setting a new standard.

With the launch of their stand alone channel in March, I wait with bated breath to see what Sky are bringing to F1.

Keep your eye out for all of the above, I will be watching and commenting throughout the season on twitter and via my blogs.