You wouldn't bet against an 8th world title for Schumi in 2005. He will keep getting the best out of Ferrari and Bridgestone, but his uncharacteristic lapses at the end of 2004 will give his rivals some hope. But if he was simply storing up his intensity for another full-on assault next season, then the rest had better look out.

The way Jenson and BAR remained professional throughout the contractual dispute was a credit to them both. When they say they will patch up their differences and press on in 2005, you believe them. If the car keeps improving, surely that first win has to come soon. If not, the pressure will start to pile up.

Kimi is a man unphased by reputation. Plus Ron Dennis treats him as his own. These factors should hold him in good stead against Montoya next year. He's now had lots of podiums though, for only two wins in his career. He'll need to improve his conversion rate in 2005 to avoid any doubt from inside or outside setting in.

Surprise surprise, Rubens has already declared his intention to defeat Michael for the title in 2005. In case he didn't realise, it's not up to him; it's up to whether or not Michael and Ferrari give him a look-in, and whether the Michael-tailored car also happens to suit him. More podiums and wins are assured though.

Of the top teams though, Renault may be the most risky one to join, as their technical direction seems to have stalled. Alonso as a team-mate will be hungry to perform better as well, plus Fisi needs to work on qualifying speed. However, he may yet add to his victory in Brazil in 2003; his race pace is unquestionable.

After an unnecessarily long wait, Sato was confirmed at BAR for 2005. If the package continues to improve, and if he continues to learn off Button, Sato's results can only improve. More podiums would not be out of the question, and perhaps the best result yet for a Japanese driver is just around the corner.

Jarno has finally developed into a well-rounded driver, but is he also a team motivator who can lift Toyota to greater heights? Either he or Ralf Schumacher, or preferably both of them, will have to. If the car performs, chances are now that Jarno will too. And most probably his consistency will shade Ralf's.

Webber at Williams is one of the most exciting driver combos next year, the no-nonsense Aussie with the no-nonsense team. Will they bring back the glory days of Alan Jones? Without getting too carried away, the first target is Mark's maiden podium finish, then his maiden win - both of which are definitely achievable in 2005.

Alonso needs to regain his spark in 2005, even if his car isn't the best. He needs to emerge from the comfort of being Briatore's anointed one, and be more than just a points accumulator. Fisichella as team-mate threatens to be even more competitive than Trulli was this year. Fernando needs to watch out.

DC knew all season that he was looking for new employment in 2005. His main hope probably went with the demise of Jaguar, and now it looks like teams won't have to run third cars. He's made a pitch for Williams, but they don't seem interested. Unless he takes a test role, this could be the end of a very good but not great F1 career.

This is going to be good: Montoya and Raikkonen duking it out in resurgent McLarens. JPM has to be careful that his emotion doesn't get the better of him. Ron Dennis isn't into that kind of stuff, and at the end of the day Kimi is his favoured son. How well JPM settles in at his new team will dictate how well he goes in 2005.

Massa should go into next season with increasing confidence. He can now stay on the track and still go quite quickly. There is no reason why he can't match and even beat Jacques Villeneuve in equal machinery in 2005. He may cause the Canadian's star to permanently wane as his own continues on the rise.