Schumacher's superb triumph in 2001 was not for a want of competition, but in 2002 with a resurgent Williams on his hands, it will get even tougher. But no-one should suggest that Schumi is just out to break records. He wants to win car races, and he'll still want to do so in 2002. It's just that he won't have it all his own way.

It is scandalous that no major team paid his efforts any attention. Heidfeld is saddled with the Sauber again next year, and he has to hope it is as good as this year's car. He'll have another young gun to cope with in Felipe Massa, so he'll need to stay cool, and not think too much about the fact that he deserves a better package.

If he carries his late season form into 2001, then Michael Schumacher will need to watch his back. Montoya is an aggressive but clean racer, who's not so desperate that he won't settle for 2nd if need be. He seems to have reached the top of his learning curve already, and he is a genuine title contender in 2002.

Under Flavio Briatore's wing right from the start, Renault have taken up their option on him for 2002, and he takes Mark Webber's spot as their test driver. A bit of a shame, really, as he could have done with another season of race experience, even with Minardi. Let's hope a year's testing doesn't dampen his skills.

Ralf must knuckle down to the task in 2002. He should have the machinery to fight his team-mate and his brother for the World Championship. But he must stop worrying about his contractual status in the team, team orders etc., and just focus on setting up and driving his car. Because that's exactly what Montoya's doing.

Some may see his move to McLaren as premature, but Ron Dennis' team is one that can nurture his talent. Kimi still has a lot to learn, and it will be interesting to see how he copes with the rough and tumble on-track duels at the sharp end of the grid. Having said that, he should take his maiden win in 2002.

DC will be assume the role of McLaren's unspoken leader in 2002, but will that be enough? Will Raikkonen and Michelin's arrival be a bonus or a burden? Above all, can McLaren bounce back to produce a competitive car? DC's championship chances depend on this, and on repeating if not bettering his efforts from this year.

Forget any claims to the championship, Michael is out for a 5th crown in 2002. Rubens will be left to his back-up role again, but it would be nice to see him give Michael a scare or two. If Michael retires after 2002, RB could stay on in 2003, but that's unlikely. The likely scenario is that it's Rubens who'll be moving on for 2003.

Briatore has made a desperate mistake in dropping Fisichella for 2002. But in turn, Fisi will enjoy the change of scenery at Jordan, where new personnel all round means a fresh new start. Giancarlo should have renewed enthusiasm to continue driving at a top level, especially since he will have unofficial number 1 status.

Irvine is now comfortable with Niki Lauda at the helm, but still frustrated at the lack of depth in Jaguar's personnel. Thus far he has not quite let that affect his driving, and he has received respect for that. The question is, if the 2002 car is again relatively uncompetitive, will he still be bothered enough to give his all come 2003?

Trulli fulfils his destiny in 2002 by going to Benetton-slash-Renault. While for the past two seasons he has driven for a team standing still if not falling behind, in Renault he joins a team distinctly moving up. How Jarno responds will be vital, especially if he can get it together and show some spark in race trim.

Ron Dennis has left everything open to Mika for next year. He will be spending time with Erja and Hugo, but he will also do PR activities for McLaren's sponsors, and the door is open for him to even test next year, as well as being a mentor to his replacement Raikkonen. And of course the door is open for his return in 2003...