Motor Racing: ...And here are the headlines for 1999

Independent writers play the prediction game

FORMULA ONE fans were parted from their sport demanding more of the same next season and the chances are they will be obliged.

The jostling for position in the pack could be just as intriguing and Jordan, having muscled past Benetton, are intent on challenging Williams for third place in the constructors' standings. It seems likely, however, that McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari will again corner the main event. The Italians are even more anxious to acclaim their first champion since 1979 after Michael Schumacher's latest near miss.

David Coulthard is no less determined to stake a claim this time, following the success of his McLaren team-mate, Mika Hakkinen. The Scot must reckon a fulfilled Hakkinen will have difficulty motivating himself to the same extent. Coulthard may also feel he is entitled to a little pay-back in recognition of his selfless support in 1998.

That would leave him with the small matter of fending off Schumacher, and if the Ferrari is improved to near enough the standard of the McLaren, then Coulthard will be confronting a monumental task.

Schumacher remains the pre-eminent driver in grand prix racing. For the past two seasons he has been the saviour of Formula One, pushing superior cars to the wire. His third title is overdue.