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After the disastrous performance in the first Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne, Ferrari fans, sponsors and merchandise producers may have been worrying that it had created a standard for the rest of the season. This however has changed in the last month with Ferrari putting in performances that at the worst could be described as resurgent. In the last two races Ferrari fans, merchandise companies and sponsors will be infinitely happier, the dominant position that was apparent at the end of last season has been regained and in Ferrari eyes this is the return of to the correct order of things.

The last race weekend in Bahrain saw a domineering one two finish for the team that not only placed both drivers on the podium but leapfrogged the team to second in the constructor’s championship only a solitary point behind the unexpected leaders, BMW. Gaining prominence over main rivals McLaren Mercedes would have been what merchandise producers, sponsors and the avid fan base wanted. After spending the majority of the season behind the British team last year, to take the lead is a great psychological advantage; one that they will be hoping to cling on to.

The Bahrain Grand Prix saw the previous season’s champion driver finish in second position. This will make his personal sponsors and merchandise dealers jubilant as in Melbourne it looked as if he was going to struggle with the new anti-traction control regulations. This has proven to be unfounded as he has put in two solid performances since then, taking the chequered flag in Malaysia. The reigning champion now stands three points clear of BMW’s Nick Heidfeld, whilst his main rival Lewis Hamilton is a surprising five points behind the Finn. Merchandise produces, sponsors and fans will be wishing for the state of play to stay this way.

So far though, it is Ferrari that has been fortuitous in the opening stages of the 2008 Formula 1 season, unlike last year. McLaren have had problems in both the races since Australia, especially young racing prodigy Lewis Hamilton. While in Malaysia both Hamilton and his team-mate Kovalainen were penalised for going too slowly during their qualifying in-laps.

This time it was Hamilton who had a mare of a weekend. After first putting his car in the wrong setting at the start and losing five grid places he found himself in the unenviable position of tenth. It would have been salvageable had it not been for an altercation with Lewis’ former team mate Fernando Alonso, which saw Hamilton lose his front end and another three places for a unscheduled pit-stop. Whether his sponsors and merchandise producers will be worrying is undisclosed, but the ever philosophical Hamilton still fancies his chances for the title.

Ferrari will be happier with the performance of their second driver Felipe Massa. After a spin in Malaysia that saw him forced into retirement during the thirtieth lap; his backers, sponsors and merchandise dealers may have been be questioning their support. Added to this his performance in Australia was blighted by engine problems and yet another retirement this time in the twenty ninth lap. The Brazilian Massa will however be buoyed by his performance in Bahrain which saw him take the chequered flag in a weekend dominated by the prancing horse of Ferrari.

The season is still however in its infancy and there is a long way to go for all the teams. While Ferrari may be currently benefiting from a string of bad luck for rivals McLaren, luck can change quickly in Formula 1. Last year’s season only goes to show that leading all season does not guarantee a title; something sponsors, merchandise suppliers and educated fans will be acutely aware of.

As the teams head for the first of the European stints, plenty of practice and testing will be undertaken to ensure maximum performance. All eyes in Spain will be on a flagging McLaren team to assess their ability to compete with not only Ferrari but surprising championship leaders BMW.