Felipe Massa silenced his critics with a win in Sakhir. The only downside to an otherwise perfect weekend was his missing out on pole position in a qualifying session, which saw BMW Sauber’s Robert Kubica take the honour.

It was with great sadness that during the morning of Monday 31st March 2008, Kent Police confirmed that two of the people who died in the light aircraft accident in Kent on Sunday afternoon, were David Leslie and Richard Lloyd.

As the BTCC enters its 50th season, a brief look down the entrants list shows a whole host of names that could realistically challenge for race wins, and indeed the championship, whether it be the overall title or the independents title. The strong field is a mix of seasoned BTCC racers, and a vast number of debutants, meaning only one thing - more exciting action from Britain’s premier racing series.

With Sebastien Loeb and Mikko Hirvonen separated by just one point, Rally Argentina was always going to provide many talking points. The elevated nature of some of the stages would also suit the Subaru Imprezas, as the team were looking to build on their excellent form so far this season, particularly Chris Atkinson’s second place last time out in Mexico.

As the Formula 1 road show moved to Malaysia for Round 2 the attention was, for different reasons, focused on both McLaren and Ferrari. McLaren were looking to expand on their good start in Australia, whereas Ferrari were hoping to overcome the nightmare of the last round, and amass some worthwhile points this time out.

After a close-season dominated by the spying allegations, it was a relief to focus on racing once again. The season opener from Albert Park, Melbourne again drew massive crowds, and was supported by a non-championship outing from the V8 Supercars.

The V8 Supercar series moved to Sydney, New South Wales for Round 2. The Eastern Creek Raceway providing a whole host of action for the three-race round. Holden proved too strong for the Fords in qualifying, occupying the first three positions.

Jari-Matti Latvala headed to Rally Mexico still on the high of becoming the youngest ever winner of a World Rally event. However the weekend’s headlines were surrounding reigning World Champion, Sebastien Loeb, and an engine replacement during the shakedown.

As the WRC was taking place in Mexico, further south in Curitiba, Brazil, the opening round of the 2008 FIA World Touring Car Championship was taking place. Britain’s Andy Priaulx is aiming to make it four wins in as many years in the FIA’s flagship touring class. Yvan Muller is looking to go one better from his second place finish last season, and take Priaulx’s crown. Muller will be again with SEAT, who will run the Diesel engine for the full season after impressing during the latter half of 2007.

The Australian V8 Supercar Championship 2008 got underway this weekend, with the Clipsall 500 from Adelaide. This event, as we have come to expect, gave us much excitement and action.