What a start to the grand prix season. Melbourne was truly magnificent and for that we have to give thanks and praise to Max Moseley.
This column is not often kind to the FIA, the sports governing body that he heads, but in banning driver aids this season they were absolutely spot on.
What we saw in Australia was a good old-fashioned race.
Drivers, without traction control or engine braking, had to take responsibility for making a good start from the grid and actually getting around corners in one piece.
The result was some ragged driving in places and although the drivers may not have been too thrilled (less than half the field finished), for the fans it was exciting from start to finish.
The start was enough to tell us the landscape of F1 had changed from last season. Some dealt better than others with having to control potential wheelspin. Inevitably, those faster off the mark came together with slower cars and we had our first burst of excitement.
On-board cameras showed the effort drivers had to put in to keep their cars on the track around corners. Gone are the days when you pointed it into the corner and let the electronics do the rest. As former driver Martin Brundle remarked: 'Skill is rewarded, mistakes punished'.