If you take a closer look at the entries that got the most voting points, what do they have in common? Attention to detail! Lighting, texturing, composition and precision modelling made these entries stand out from the rest. The time spent on these models really shows in their quality. As several Challengers submitted multiple entries, maybe their time would have been better used on one really good model rather than several "okay" models. Quality over quantity!

(Some contest stats: 485 people cast 1237 votes in total)

Textures! No doubt the best models had the best texturing. Texturing makes the model look real. It is amazing what a properly placed decal or detailed reflection map can do to make a model come alive.

Lighting! The best finishers also had lighting that showed the important features and added to the overall scene while maintaining a realistic feel. Several entries, in my opinion, were underlit. A model could be the most awesome creation ever but that will not matter if we cannot see it!

Composition! Composition is how the objects are placed in the scene. Take a close look at the top Challenge entries and you will see that the composition is very similar. Three-quarter angles from a slightly higher perspective. Also look in any car magazine and you will see similar composition. People are natually used to seeing certain types of objects from a particular point of view. Cars are one of them.

Listen to the Community! Many of the images submitted to the F1 Challenge were posted on the Community forum for critique before they were sent to me. Based on what was suggested by fellow Blender users, many of the entries were modified for the better (anyone remember the texture Rash originally had on those huge turbofan engines?). The Community can be an awesome tool to help you make your images better if you listen to them.

One additional observation, if I may. Never underestimate the effect of having your image tell a story. Several of the entries had simple stories built into them and that can give them a human touch (GSR's future F1 driver image was my sentimental favorite). Take some time to thumb through any magazine and look at the advertisments. The best ones always tell some sort of story however simple it may be.....