2010 Formula One season kicks off with Bahrain Grand Prix [SPOILER ALERT]

Formula One Bahrain 2010 – Click above for high-res image gallery

And they’re off, ladies and gentleman, at the first race of what is undoubtedly one of the most hotly anticipated seasons in Formula One racing history. And it’s already living up to its promise.

In the off-season since the culmination of last year’s championship, one former Ferrari world champion left the sport, and another returned. One major automaker acquired the reigning championship team, while another two pulled out of the sport entirely. Several new teams joined the grid, and some pivotal new technical regulations were put in place. That’s quite a build-up, and it all comes down to this, the first grand prix of the year. Follow the jump to read how it unfolded.

Gallery: 2010 Bahrain Grand Prix