In the first of a series of Grand Prix Insights, Mercedes AMG engineer Aldo Costa demonstrates seatbelt technology. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg go head-to-head in a friendly competition to settle the question: “who really is faster?” although a stewards inquiry may be in order.

In the end, the Australian Grand Prix didn’t turn into the Red Bull dominated affair that many feared after being the runaway stars of Sunday’s delayed qualifying shoot-out. Kimi Raikkonen and Lotus F1 took firm control of the race while Ferrari possibly should have had both drivers ahead of Sebastian Vettel rather than just Fernando Alonso. But what does this mean for the season ahead?

The first race of the season and Pirelli’s latest development of its tyre compounds held up better than some forecast, delivering the mix of two and three-stop strategies that the Italian manufacturer promised. Kimi Raikkonen’s victory owed much to the preservation power of the Lotus as his nearest rivals couldn’t compete with his two-stop run to the chequered flag.

Just 22 drivers line-up on the grid this season (although HRT had a habit of missing the Australian Grand Prix anyway) with several new faces amongst them as well as a shuffle of pilots between teams.

In 2013, the use of DRS in qualifying and free practice will be limited to the sames zones employed for the race, meaning the teams will have to rely on it much less in the battle for pole. However, that change is offset to some extent by the designation of two zones at almost every circuit – only Monaco and Suzuka escape with the solitary activation point.

Welcome to the Viva F1 2013 Formula One Season Guide – the calendar, spotters guide to the cars and drivers, and the main changes for the upcoming season all wrapped up in one handy, hi-resolution picture…

Round-up of the final test at the Circuit de Catalunya before the teams head to the Australian Grand Prix. Mercedes set the pace on the final two days, Nico Rosberg putting in the fastest lap of the week. The team was also the busiest, putting in 481 laps, underlining their reliability, but how reflective of the running order will the timesheets prove to be?

Force India’s confirmation that there second seat has been filled by Adrian Sutil in preference to Jules Bianchi finalises the make up of the grid that will form up in Melbourne in 17 days time. Or does it? Rumours about the future of Luiz Razia’s drive at Marussia continue to circulate as he once again sat out testing…