2.4 litre V8 formula set to make race debut
According to pitlane speculation, Williams` new engine supplier - Cosworth - will hit the Bahrain circuit this weekend with the most grunt.
The Northampton based manufacturer`s F1 chief, Alex Hitzinger, says the V8 unit - although to compete with the world`s most powerful carmakers in 2006 - will top 20,000rpm.

On the other end of the scale, meanwhile, is the relatively underpowered and unreliable Mercedes-Benz, while Ferrari struggle for engine reliability and cooling.

Honda, too - although powering Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello to impressive test times - might be having one or two `driveability` issues, although Barrichello admitted that the problem is probably widespread.

“(Compared with the V10s) it`s a different engine to drive,” the Brazilian told Reuters, “and it will require a different way of driving.”

However, world champion Fernando Alonso hasn`t felt a huge change, and the Spaniard is expected to dominate in the opening phase of `06.

He said: “I haven`t changed my style at all to adapt. I am still driving right on the limit.”

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