History of 2007: F1

Eleven races into the 2007 season and already it's been a year of surprises for the teams on the lower half of the grid. Super Aguri are beating engine suppliers Honda; Scott Speed has made an unexpectedly swift exit from Toro Rosso; and Spyker have not only topped a practice session, but also led a Grand Prix!In the first instalment of a two-part feature, we examine the 2007 fortunes of all the teams to date and consider what they can expect in the final third of the season…Red BullIf ever there were proof that a team requires more than brains and bucks to thrive, this season Red Bull would appear to be it. Despite the generous backing of the Austrian drinks company and the presence of uber-designer Adrian Newey, the RB3 has struggled. With nine retirements between them - many related to a troublesome seamless-shift gearbox - team mates David Coulthard and Mark Webber have found the going tough.On the positive side, a revamp in May seemed to solve most of the car’s mechanical glitches and its pace has, at times, been impressive - particularly in Webber’s hands during qualifying. That pace has allowed the team to capitalise on unexpected events and secure a reasonable points haul. Webber’s third place at the rain-swept Nurburgring was perhaps the best example, bringing a much-needed end to what had seemed a rather long podium dry spell for team and driver alike. In summary: with another upgrade expected for Turkey, surely the only way is up for Red Bull? ToyotaEvery year since their 2002 arrival, big budgets and experienced drivers have made Toyota’s prospects look good - on paper at least. 2007 has proved yet again that looks can be deceiving. Both TF107s finished a lap down at the season opener in Melbourne and getting a handle on the car has been a slow process. Ralf Schumacher in particular struggled to get to grips with it early on - to the point where many were predicting a premature exit for the German. The fact that customer team Williams have scored eight points more shows just how tough it’s been. Only the dwindling form of Japanese rivals Honda has spared Toyota’s blushes.Things, however, are looking up. Jarno Trulli has been a Q3 regular all season and in recent races Ralf has joined him. Indeed, after trailing his team mate badly in the early rounds, Schumacher now seems to have the edge. However, both remain frustrated by their cars’ hit and miss reliability and an inability to regularly translate qualifying speed into point-scoring performance come Sunday afternoon. They are getting closer all the time, but the consistency is not quite there yet.In summary: if the recovery can last, Toyota could yet gain ground on the midfield.Super AguriIn only their second year Super Aguri were never expected to shine - just improve. They have exceeded expectations. A four-point tally may not seem like much to some, but for the close-knit Japanese team it means the world - especially as it’s three more than engine supplier Honda’s works team. No doubt, Super Aguri are one of the success stories of the season.Their decision to run a modified version of Honda’s 2006 car led many to dismiss their chances, and others - notably rivals Spyker - to cry foul. Regardless of the legalities, it has proved an inspired move and as the season has progressed the squad have become genuine mid-field contenders. Principal points-scorer Takuma Sato has largely overshadowed team mate Anthony Davidson, but both have put in several noteworthy performances, including numerous Q2 appearances (Sato even made Q1 in Australia). Boss Aguri Suzuki freely admits the team have surpassed their own expectations. They have also silenced their critics and given their ever-growing army of fans something to cheer about.