Fernando & Co may fight it out on track in 2007, but two old adversaries will be right behind them and ultimately the battle may well be between Michael Schumacher and Mika Häkkinen.

Both former world champions will play a role in guiding their respective teams’ poster boys and the outcome could depend on which of the two is the most successful.

Schumacher will be ‘special assistant’ to Jean Todt at Ferrari, while Häkkinen — no official title yet, but it will come — also will be intimately involved in the development of the car and drivers at McLaren.

Most observers agree that, while Räikkönen is arguably the fastest driver in the current field, his work ethic is light years away from that which has made Schumacher such an integral part of the Ferrari success. Schumacher used to spend hours after each session, going through the data with the engineers to try and find an edge over his competitors, while he also built loyalty by getting close to every member of the team.

By all accounts Räikkönen is the complete opposite, simply arriving in the pits and driving the wheels off the equipment provided by the team before going his own way.

For the new combination to be successful, this will have to change.

Todt has been quoted as saying: "We didn't hire Räikkönen because Schumacher decided to leave racing. We had to think about the future and Räikkönen was the driver best suited to Ferrari's ambitions. He's very strong, quick, and his age — 27 years old — allows for many years of work at Ferrari.

"But, we don't know how we'll work together. Räikkönen is still a question mark here. But this is where Schumacher could intervene in his new role.

"We intend to take advantage of Schumacher's knowledge and experience, which I consider unique in the world. It's an asset not to be lost, at the service of Ferrari and their drivers."

Whether Kimi accepts the guidance of his former foe and Ferrari is able to adapt to the Iceman’s alternative outlook remains to be seen — which is the challenge Michael has accepted.

Things will probably be easier with Massa, who has been nurtured by Schumacher since the Brazilian’s arrival at Ferrari as test driver in 2003. This could well ease Felipe into a title-challenging position.

Over at McLaren the team has to adapt to two new drivers for the first time in decades. And they have to adapt to the team. Alonso joins from Renault, while Hamilton steps up from GP2.

This is where Häkkinen comes in.

He spent nine years at the team and recently some time in the McLaren simulator as well as behind the wheel of last year’s car. Both he and the team have made noises about using his experience in improving the new car and guiding the drivers.

There is little doubt that the two-time world champion still has a lot to offer. He can assess the development of the MP4-22 (it is well known that Ron Dennis holds the Flying Finn in high regard) while at the same time assist the drivers in the integration process into an environment that is familiar to him but unfamiliar to both.

The McLaren way is different to that of any other team and the sooner Alonso gains full understanding the better for both parties. Hamilton may have grown up under the wing of Dennis, but Formula 1 is a big step — even more so alongside a reigning two-time champion. Häkkinen had to get used to both sets of circumstances early in his career and his input in this regard will be invaluable.

Similarly the question can be asked whether Fernando will accept advice from a man who retired in the same year that the Spaniard entered F1. This is Mika’s challenge.

Hamilton, however, seems hungry enough to appreciate any help he can get.

Renault? Well, they don’t have Alonso anymore, do they? And Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Damon Hill are unlikely to offer their services. Honda? Perhaps Nick Fry should consider roping in Jacques Villeneuve to help out Button. Then again, perhaps not…

So, both Schumacher and Häkkinen will work behind the scenes — back-seat driving, if you wish — to ensure that potentially highly successful combinations work out. Either their advice will be sought and heeded, or not.

This means not one, but three world champions will be chasing ultimate glory in 2007. It will be fascinating to see which one triumphs.