Julien: I have to take JacFan's point. We're supposed to be posting our picks, not gazing into our (somewhat fuzzy) Crystal Balls
That being the case,
let me try my best. (It feels so free to be in the third century these days. I can think of the way it would be most exciting for me (and the F1 fans around the world who love racing)
That being the case I pick Michael to sit on the pole.
Because he can, as someone has already (maybe it was Julien?) pointed out, be counted on to do the UNexpected. My call is that he'll nip out BEHIND the blue car and post his speed AFTER the time is expired. That will force Fernando to think about parking somewhere on the course. Which, of course, being a gentleman, he won't manage to actually do.
From the pole Michael will command --and win-- the race.
I expect to see Fernando try more than once, but back off when he realizes Michael REALLY WILL close the door on him. At this point, he'd rather take himself and Fernando OUT, than risk losing yet another precious point to him. I think he really wants his 8th WDC this year, b/c next year his chances are even slimmer!
Third place, then, will belong to next year's partner (and new WDC) for Fisi at Renault: Kimi Raikkonen!
Massa, doing what he does so well (that is drive smoothly and try to keep out of trouble), will take fourth place points. Not, though, without some close dicing with Kimi.
Fifth place will go to the now bland Fisichella ( a lap down on the field)
Sixth place points will go to JPM (unless, of course, he manages to strand himself on a curb somewhere!)
Seventh place will be awarded to local hero J. Villeneuve (assuming the Beamer Engine Block doesn't consume itself)
and the Final points place will go to the ever-deserving Mark Webber (if he stresses the Cozzie just a wee bit less, he should show his team-mate the way home.
Such a race would be one I could stand up and cheer about! And it would make it seem really worthwhile in a week's time to put meself out in the blazing sun for the (probably last ever) U.S.G.P. here at home in Indy.
So. There's me picks, mateys. See you at the finish line:maths:
Jim Watt