Brawn GP Formula One drivers Jenson Button, left, and Rubens Barrichello smile during their team's group photo session before the Malaysia Formula One Grand Prix at the Sepang racetrack in Kuala Lumpur. (Vincent Thian/Associated Press)

Those anticipating a great opening to the 60th season of Formula One got exactly what they hoped for in Australia — David did slay Goliath.

Perhaps that's an overstatement, but with the virgin Brawn GP team dominating the podium and the Ferrari team failing to finish the race, there is fresh hope that this season's race for the championship will be wide open.

Before looking ahead to the second race of the season in Malaysia, it's worth a quick look back at Australia.

The good

The teams with the "new diffusers" (Brawn GP, Toyota and Williams) qualified well and were dominant during the race, taking all three podium spots.

As predicted, these results are under protest as a result of the creative interpretation of the new aerodynamic rules. A verdict won't be determined until April 14, after the Malaysia race.

The bad

Last year's dominant teams (McLaren and Ferrari) had a rough first weekend. Ferrari didn't score a point. Their cars struggled with tires and they were unlucky in their race strategy. On pure speed, where they used to dominate, they were never close to Mercedes or Toyota.

McLaren's fortunes were mixed. They qualified well below standard, but a spirited drive by defending series champion Lewis Hamilton won them a solid third place with significant help from late crashes involving Sebastian Vettel and Robert Kubica. That finish has since revoked by the FIA. McLaren may have a slightly stronger hand than Ferrari, with Mercedes power taking all three podium spots, but their chassis is not as good as that of Brawn GP, Toyota, and BMW.

The surprises

There were a few teams and drivers that provided pleasant surprises coming out of Australia. Vettel drove an inspired race and seems to be right at home with Red Bull. He looked good for a spot on the podium until the unfortunate incident with Kubica late in the race. Both Toro Rosso drivers, Sebastien Buemi and Sebastien Bourdais looked good, as did BMW's Kubica. Toyota also had a good day with Jarno Trulli eventually finishing on the podium.

Next Stop Malaysia

With less than a week to prepare for the Malaysian Grand Prix, teams will be hard pressed to make major engine or chassis changes. Those new-look diffusers won't suddenly sprout on these cars. With limited time for testing — and the diffusers under protest — it seems logical teams will wait and see what the ruling brings.

With that said, it would be fair to expect Brawn GP, Williams and Toyota to be up front, especially considering the Malaysian GP track is even more dependent on aerodynamic downforce than the track in Australia.

What of the other teams? Here is what to expect.

McLaren: The team is publicly tempering expectations in Malaysia. If they have a chance at a top-three it will involve luck and great strategy. They do have Mercedes power, but that in itself may not be enough.

Ferrari: Last year in Australia, Ferrari opened the season off the pace. They came back to win Malaysia in 2008, but can they do it again? Not likely. Their car will need a revolutionary change, not an evolutionary change. They will be back, but not yet.

BMW: Kubica looked good in Australia and was podium bound until he got caught up with Vettel. While they do not have the pace of the Brawn GP or Toyota, Kubica had a second place here in 2008, and he should have a place on the podium this year.

Toyota: Trulli looked strong in Australia and there is no reason to believe the car will not be up front this weekend. I believe there is some urgency for Toyota to win; the question is how will the drivers respond to the pressure?

Renault: There is no doubt Fernando Alonzo is still one of the best drivers in series. It would appear that the Renault is down on power, which doesn't help in the Malaysian track, but never count Alonzo out. With a bit of luck this weekend he should gather some points.

Williams Toyota: Nico Rosberg answered a lot of his critics. The new Williams chassis is stout and he will have some momentum out of Australia. Look for Rosberg to be in the top five. With a mature drive, a finish on the podium is not out of reach.

Red Bull Renault: Vettel was one of the best surprises in Race 1. He seemed completely comfortable in his new surroundings. If the Renault can keep up on this fast track, he could be a headache for the guys up front.

STR - Ferrari: You wouldn't have expected rookie Sebastien Buemi to be the top finishing Ferrari in Australia, but his eighth place was the best the prancing horse could do. They too may be down on power in Malaysia, but expect a heroic drive from Sebastien Bourdais who is once again in danger of being overshadowed by a less experienced teammate.

Force India Mercedes: Hey, they beat Ferrari, that's a boost for the team. While the car looks better than it did last year and Mercedes seems to have the power advantage right now, a top 15 would be a good day for these guys.

Brawn GP: The first "new" team to finish 1-2 since 1955 proves these guys are for real. Clearly the class of the field in Australia, they may be even better this weekend. Jenson Button has answered his critics and Ross Brawn has proven he still knows how to design a car. Expect Button to be upfront early. Rubens Barrichello was lucky to get second last weekend. This race will be his chance to prove that he belongs on the team.