McLaren ace Jenson Button believes that it is vital that he makes another blistering start to the season if he is to retain his world championship crown.
The Briton's drivers' title success in 2009 was founded upon victories in six of the first seven races of the campaign. With this year's championship battle expected to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, Button believes it imperative he again hits the ground running.
"I think it's important to be quick out of the blocks. If you look back, normally the guy that really fights for the championship and gets the championship is strong from the word 'go', so yes, I think it is important for all of us to be up there at the front here in Bahrain," he said ahead of the season opener.
"The competition is very fierce, I must say, but that's why it is exciting. For a fan of Formula One, this season should be electric, it really should be. If it's not, we're doing something seriously wrong.
"It's obviously great to have Felipe (Massa, of Ferrari) back after his horrific accident last year. Great to have Michael (Schumacher, of Mercedes), back because it makes me feel young again!
"Looking at this race, I don't think there have been so many competitive drivers in competitive cars for a long time, so it's great to see."