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Our personal favourite, and in our opinions the most gorgeous driver in the paddock. But like him as we do, the end of season performances of 2001 left rather a lot to be desired.

We do our best to like Ralfie, the number of times we've been shouting at our t.v screens because of comments made by James Allen and Martin Brundle about his sulky demanour and driving mistakes are almost endless. Which is why we find it difficult to watch races like Suzuka 2001, because for the first time we actually found ourselves agreeing with them.

Ralf's excuse has been that the tragic events of September 11th got to him and Michael more than some other drivers. We sort of accept this, and he and Michael appeared strong and genuine in their belief that the races in Monza and Indianapolis shouldn't have taken place. You can understand his vulnerablity a little too, he's just had a baby and probably feels more security-concious than he had done before.

Despite the weak end to 2001, strong performances in San Marino and Canada and a win in Germany make think that maybe Ralfie's time is just around the corner. Just because Montoya is threatening doesn't take away the skill that it took for Ralf to win in San Marino and Canada, or the careful drive tha allowed him the win, rather than the broken engine in Germany.

There is also the fact that in every season of his career the first part has been the strongest. Just because he went downhill a bit at the end of 2001 there is nothing to say he won't pull himself up and come back better than ever for 20002. With his personal life now more settled maybe we will see him regaining the sort of form that made him turn in the classic performances of Canada last year.

We'd also love to see the look on Michael's face if he lost his championship to his little brother. It's difficult to imagine that there would be all the same, "I'm so happy for him." if that starts happening at all regularly.

We can't wait to see how he shapes up against Montoya and we truly hope that he comes out on top. He's far nicer than Montoya, and less arrogant too. We're not entirely convinced Ralf'll manage to beat him, but if Montoya wants the championship, he's going to have to become much more consistent. Ralf has become that and has stopped banging his car into barriers which hampered his early seasons.

We think Michael will win the championship this year. Ralf will come 2nd or 3rd.