Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone wants there to be a new world champion in 2010, focusing his hopes on Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel and Felipe Massa of Ferrari.
Ecclestone does not have a preference between the two drivers, but is keen for a racer who has yet to win the F1 title to be crowned champion at the end of the current season.
"I said a year or two ago (Vettel would) be world champion," the sport's commercial rights holder was quoted as saying by the press association. "He's not there yet, but you can see he has all the capabilities."
Ecclestone was then asked if he believed Vettel would take the crown this year, and replied: "I hope so, him or Felipe.
"He's been unlucky. Both the guys could have been world champion."
Vettel will start Sunday's race at the Bahrain Grand Prix from pole position, with Massa alongside the German on the front row.