Track: Shanghai International Circuit
Track Length: 3.387 mi./5.451 km.
Laps: 56
Tire Compounds: Soft and Medium
Previous
Winners: 2014: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2013: Fernando
Alonso (Ferrari)
2012: Nico
Rosberg (Mercedes)
2011: Lewis
Hamilton (McLaren)
2010: Jenson
Button (McLaren)
The Shanghai International Circuit was designed by Hermann
Tilke and first hosted a Formula 1 race in 2004. The track has some similar
characteristics to the Sepang International Circuit used at the previous race in
Malaysia as the track has a mixture of fast and slow corners along with some
long straights. This means once again teams will need to find a balanced setup
in which the car will be fast in all of these sections. The weather in China
can be unpredictable at times and we have seen many races that have been
affected by rain. This can always add something to the race as teams will have
to make sure they are on the correct tire for the weather at the correct time.
The temperature should not be as hot as the previous race in Malaysia so tire
wear should not be as much of an issue if the race is dry.
Main Headlines
Mercedes vs. Ferrari:
At the Malaysian Grand Prix Ferrari took the fight to Mercedes and defeated
them in a straight fight. Ferrari will be looking to continue this success to
prove that they can fight for a title and not just an occasional win. Mercedes
on the other hand will be looking to fight back and retain its status as the
top team in Formula 1.
Red Bull vs. Renault:
The last few weeks have seen Red Bull and Renault trade blows in the media
as they do not seem to be happy with each other at the moment. Red Bull is
upset about the quality of the engine they are receiving from Renault and feel
that they cannot compete at the front with it. If Red Bull has another
difficult week look for more words between the two parties.
Can Raikkonen's luck
change: Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen has had a fair amount of bad luck
this season already and has had his result affected in both races so far. Last
week in Malaysia Raikkonen seemed to be faster during long runs than Vettel in
practice but was not able to run out front during the race. Raikkonen will be
looking for a straightforward weekend to
show where his pace will place him in the field.
How will Manor fare: Manor
had another difficult weekend in Malaysia but was able to put its cars on
track. The team was not able to qualify within 107% but the cars were allowed
to race. Unfortunately for the team only Roberto Merhi was able to actually
race due to technical issues with Will Stevens' car. The team will be looking
for any improvement they can find as their difficult season continues.
Prediction: I think
this week will be Nico Rosberg's turn to be out in front as he seems to be
quick at China. He hasn't been able to match Hamilton's pace yet this year but
I am expecting that to change this weekend. Behind Rosberg I expect Hamilton to
follow in 2nd as Ferrari will not be as close to Mercedes this weekend. As for
the battle behind Mercedes I expect Raikkonen to have a strong weekend and lead
the way.
Podium Prediction
1. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)
2. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
3. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)
How do you think the race will turn out this weekend? Do you
think Mercedes will fight back and be back on top this weekend or do you think
Ferrari will be out in front again this weekend? Also how do you see the fight
behind shaping out? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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