That year was also the last time more than 10 teams took part in the Sunday afternoon grands prix.

However, that will all change this season thanks to the arrival of Super Aguri.

F1's 11th team, which is an all-Japanese outfit with a Japanese team boss Aguri Suzuki, a Japanese engine courtesy of Honda and two Japanese drivers in Takuma Sato and Yuji Ide, face a tough challenge in their debut season as they have had so little preparation time.

With their entry into the championship only confirmed in January this year, and their driver line-up in mid-February, Super Aguri are having to use a four-year old modified Arrows chassis for their first three F1 grands prix.

And although the team intends launching its own car at San Marino in April, it could prove to be a rushed job that falters instead of flies.

So with just about everything - except having Honda engines - going against them, Super Aguri should expect a baptism of fire and even a single world championship is more than can be expected of F1's new boys.