Even if yesterday's stunning qualifying lap doesn't prove the be the kick-starter to Nico Rosberg's championship hopes, it does, certainly in the eyes of this writer, demonstrate one thing.

Those, mainly in the British media, who consistently derided, often mockingly, Michael Schumacher's return to the sport in 2010, must surely recognise the calibre of teammate he was up against. Nico Rosberg isn't now, and wasn't then, an also ran, a pushover; merely a champion in waiting... waiting on the right car.

Much of the media already had the title sewn up, and Lewis Hamilton's dominance in the three practice sessions suggested that maybe they were right. But when it mattered, when it really mattered, Rosberg dug deep and produced that lap.

In fact, he predicted as much on Friday, insisting that he had something in reserve.

Of course, over the course of the four sessions, both drivers have experienced brake issues, reviving fears that the title could yet be determined by the German team's reliability.

Then of course, there is the possibility of Rosberg repeating his Sochi first corner faux pas... and that wide, wide T1 here is soooo inviting.

Behind the Silvers Arrows duo we have the Williams pair, both, no doubt, spurred on by the absence of team founder Sir Frank who is back in the UK undergoing hospital treatment for a pressure sore. In the midst of the financial crisis facing the sport - of which more later - let's not forget the early struggles of this team indeed, let's not forget the troubles of the last couple of seasons.

Both drivers like the COTA track however, it is Felipe Massa who really needs to stamp his authority within the team, the Brazilian on less than half the points of his young teammate.

Mathematically, Daniel Ricciardo is still in with a chance of taking the title, though it would take an upheaval of seismic proportions. Then again, those of you who remember the last few moments of Interlagos 2008 will be aware that in F1 anything can, and usually does, happen.

Keep an eye on Sebastian Vettel who is starting from the pitlane after his team changed the entire power unit on his car. Be it his unease with the 2014 regulations, the penalty of his upcoming departure for pastures new, the German hasn't seemed himself this weekend, and somehow we do not expect him to produce a miracle this afternoon.

Another driver appearing to go through the motions, albeit with more conviction, is Fernando Alonso, the Spaniard, as ever, punching well above his weight.

The McLarens clearly prefer the prime (medium) rubber and therefore it will be interesting to see the team's strategy, particularly in the case of Jenson Button. Both he and Kevin Magnussen are fearful of their F1 futures, especially with Mr Alonso hovering, and will therefore be keen to impress in these three remaining races.

That said, a five-place grid penalty for the 2009 champion doesn't help.

It's good to see Adrian Sutil starting from the first row, though he will need to make it appoints finish if he is to retain his seat, especially with the team announcing it had signed Marcus Ericsson around an hour after that excellent Q2 performance.

Of course, Sauber is one of three teams, the others being, Force India and Lotus, reportedly thinking of boycotting today's race, shades of Indianapolis 2005.

Flushed following Sutil's performance Monisha Kaltenborn dismissed the idea whilst Lotus boss Gerard Lopez has denied it from the outset. On the other hand Bob Fernley, deputy team principal at force India, insists it could yet happen.

Fact is, whilst we sympathise with some of the issues, any team that does boycott the race should be drummed out of the sport with immediate effect. America has had a bad enough deal from F1 over the years, another boycott would be rubbing the country's none in it... especially after the grovelling witnessed three weeks ago.

As for the financial problems facing the sport, well tell us about it, aren't most of us experiencing some sort of money woe at present.

Whilst we understand the plight and concerns of the small teams, the likes of Mercedes are not in F1 for altruistic reasons. On the other hand does Ferrari really warrant an appearance fee?

Many of these arguments have been going on for years, and during that time we have seen teams come and go. Personally, this writer feel the sport is in crisis but it is not just about money, it is about how it is governed and who it is governed by.

Interestingly, whilst the employees of Caterham and Marussia await news of their fate, as Bernie talks of two more teams going under and suggesting that the bigger teams will have to supply third cars, the silence from CVC is deafening.

Anyway, moving on...