QCD analysis of first b cross section data at 1.96 TeV

The first data on bottom quark production in p-pbar collisions at 1.96 TeV have recently been obtained by the CDF collaboration. These data probe the region of pt~0, providing a new invaluable input on the issue of the compatibility between next-to-leading-order (NLO) QCD and data. We reconsider the evaluation of the b cross section, in view of recent theoretical developments, and of the latest inputs on structure function fits. We show that the new CDF measurements are in good agreement with NLO QCD. If CDF preliminary data are confirmed, a long-standing discrepancy between NLO QCD predictions and hadron-collider data can be settled.