Ferrari finishing a race in a 1-2 position may not be that shocking to many but after last year it is a staggering achievement which must be appreciated-and it wasn’t that easy for the team.

The squad had to start from scratch when it became clear that last year’s car was fundamentally flawed. It was so poor that despite having a world champion and the 2008 runner up in their cars, Ferrari endured their worst start to a season since 1993.

Raikkonen crashed out of a potential podium position at Australia, there was an error with Massa’s qualifying at Malaysia when the team didn’t send him out again thinking his time would be enough –it wasn’t and he didn’t even get through Q1. Things got worse at China when Massa fought up to have a go at the podium but then was forced to retire with a software problem and when an much needed upgrade came at Spain Felipe and Kimi still suffered with car issues. The 2009 Scuderia Ferrari would only score a single win and Stefano Domenicali faced huge pressure to get everything right and add to the trophy cabinet.

Much of the season was damage limitation to their reputation and it became clear that the new plan was to try to ‘do a Brawn’ and to some extent they have pulled it off although they’re unlikely to experience the domination the Brawn team had as they won six of the first seven races.

Ferrari had to deal with a lot of stick for freezing the F60 so soon; the stable aero rules meant that many thought Ferrari should plough on as any data would be useful to carry across for 2010. The lack of information from Maranello didn’t help confidence for the outside world and the tifosi were left to pray that Ferrari hadn’t made a grave error.

The gamble worked but Vettel did show that the Red Bull have some frightening pace. Had it not been for his exhaust problems then the result may not have been so positive for the Italian outfit. Mclaren and Mercedes also looked closer in the races and the competition may be stronger when the grid arrives at different tracks with very different conditions.

However, the result today was a much needed pride-boost as there was also the added insult of watching long-time rivals Mclaren romp to victory twice towards the end of the 09 season, the most painful of which was at Hungary when only one red car could compete due to Felipe Massa sustaining an injury and ruling him out for the rest of the season at qualifying that weekend.

Felipe Massa had been out of action for eight months and although there had been many positive signs (good karting results) it was never certain that he would return the same driver as he was before having that horrific injury.

The Brazilian showed all weekend that he very much intends to pick up where he left off. A second place on his return is a massive achievement when there was a time when it was wondered whether he would even come back to the sport.

Alonso didn’t blow him away either. Felipe had the edge in qualifying as Fernando made a mistake in sector two when it mattered most. At the start, Massa was cautious and tried to defend his position while Alonso showed what a clever racer he is by making sure he had the line for the second corner and Felipe may just rue how much room he gave his teammate. Alonso eeked out enough speed to have a gap but then Massa began to respond after a hurry up from Smedley but he just wasn’t consistent enough. That took me by surprise a little bit as Massa can usually deliver the perfect stint when needed; it’s a quality that has led Rob Smedley to compare his driver to Michael Schumacher.

In the closing stages of the race, both Ferraris got round the broken Red Bull piloted by Vettel but it became clear Felipe was just nursing his car home while Alonso was storming to the line. There were a few issues; one was fuel, the other engine temperature and the final being Massa was unwell all weekend.

There may be a little disappointment in the air that the win wasn’t obtained but looking at the story the Ferrari-pilot should be delighted with his mature performance and that he is clearly up to speed. The blow to the head hasn’t done him any harm at all and he should really attack at the next opportunity to try to finish ahead of the Spaniard in the garage next to him. It is also his best ever start to a season and probably the most emotional.

It was nice to see him share a hug with the race winner at the end and I really doubt there will be any fireworks here. These two will fight as hard as they can on track but they appear to have bonded well which is how the relationship should be.

Alonso didn’t get a chance to be reacquainted with the familiar taste of champagne but only because Bahrain give the racers rose water as a substitute. The two-time world champion showed just why he’s won the crown twice with his drive today. A clever start and quick pace were the winning formula. Alonso admitted if Vettel didn’t have mechanical issues then the chance of the win was low but he was preparing for a full on assault on the last ten laps anyway making it obvious that he’s revelling in the chance at fighting at the front again.

It’s sad that he got lumped with two terrible Renaults and it wasn’t good for the sport either. His talent was just wasted when he was fighting every weekend but only for a handful of points at best. This was his moment back in the limelight and after today he really should be the favourite for the title.

Facts:

• Ferrari have now scored over 5000 F1 points.
• This was Fernando Alonso’s first win since Japan 2008 and first podium since Singapore 2009.
• This was Fernando Alonso’s 21st win.
• This was Felipe Massa’s first podium since Germany 2009 (the race before his accident) and first second place since China 2008.
• Massa is the first driver since Jean Alesi to score 100% of his wins with Ferrari. Massa has also grabbed all of his podiums with the Italian outfit. He is also the only driver ever to win at his 100th GP and he achieved this at the first Grand Prix in Valencia.
• Massa has now partnered four world champions who between them have 11 world titles.
• Alonso has switched teams five times since 2001.
• Since 2006 every driver who has won the opening race has went on to claim the title.
• This is Ferrari’s first 1-2 result at the season opener since 2004 and their last 1-2 was at France in 2008.