2015 Chinese Grand Prix - FIA Formula One World Championship: Round Three

[ManWithNoName]

Date: 10 - 12 April
Circuit: Shanghai International Circuit
Laps: 56
Circuit Length: 5.451km
Race Distance: 305km
Lap Record: 1:32.238 (M. Schumacher) 2004
Race Time: 2pm local (4pm AEST)
Tyres: Medium (prime), Soft (Option)
2014 Results: 1. Lewis Hamilton, 2. Nico Rosberg, 3. Fernando Alonso
Australian TV Coverage: Fox only

Track Characteristics:

With a challenging first corner and a long back straight, Shanghai is somewhat reminiscent of Malaysia but not as good. Usually taking place in a colder climate Shanghai is usually a track where tyre conservation is not an issue, therefore should favour the Mercedes over the Ferrari this weekend. Notable races here include the 2007 Grand Prix where Lewis Hamilton beached his car on the way into the pits, costing himself the World Championship in his debut season, and 2011 where Mark Webber stormed from 18th to finish on the podium in 3rd place.

Headlines

• The Return of Ferrari

After going all of 2014 without any success at all, Sebastian Vettel claimed the Scuderia's first win in over a year and became team to beat Mercedes on outright speed since the new engine regulations were brought in. Seemingly well received by most in the sport, Ferrari look like being a capable challenger to Mercedes this year. A welcome relief after an ominous domination in Australia.

• Toro Rosso v Red Bull

A bad start to the year got even worse in Malaysia when both Toro Rosso cars managed to beat them. Currently trailing in the Constructors Championship, Red Bull will need to up its game unless it wants to face the shame of being beaten by its own B-team, led by the extremely capable Max Verstappen.

Things To Watch

• Red Bull's Brakes

After two races of experimenting with Hitco brakes, RBR will this weekend be returning to Brembo's. This could be the start of a turn around for Red Bull given their poor start to the year.

• Tyre temprature

Ferrari's success in Malaysia was largely put down to its ability to manage its tyres in the heat of Sepang. However coming to the much colder Shanghai this may flip around to be an issue for them. It's expected that Mercedes will be able to switch its tyres on much faster and drive off into the distance. However if Ferrari can get their tyres working here then it truly is game on for season 2015.

#ForzaJules

 

[Simple Jack]

1st race with the new fuel flow measuring technique.

 

[darth_timon]

As much as increased competition to Mercedes is desirable, in 'normal' conditions the Mercs are too good. They will almost certainly breeze to a 1-2 finish.

 

[Simple Jack]

Hope so. Be nice for Nico to get a win for a change and keep things a bit interesting. He's good around this track.

 

[ManWithNoName]

Got Foxtel Go working on my work PC. Watched the Masters, now watching The F1 Show, then FP1 and FP2. Productivity might not beat 100% today.

 

[ManWithNoName]

The F1 Show just looks super awkward. They're sitting on boxes and have like 20 people gathered around behind them. It's like they're trying to do Top Gear but it just seems so awkward.

 

[ManWithNoName]

RBR's brakes aren't going too well. Overheating.

 

[Simple Jack]

RBR's brakes aren't going too well. Overheating.

Alright pace though.

 

[NSWCROW]

WHAT THE ACTUAL

Bloke just ran across the track

 

[ManWithNoName]

Now taking bets on who that was running across the track.

$1.01 Giedo van der Garde

 

[Simple Jack]

Now taking bets on who that was running across the track.

$1.01 Giedo van der Garde

"I belong in pit lane" *dives*

 

[ManWithNoName]

"I belong in pit lane" *dives*

$4 Rod Stroker

"GET THE * OUT OF THE CAR SEB"

 

[ManWithNoName]

That's a seriously good save by Felipe.

 

[Herbs]

So what's going to happen to old mate who ran onto the track now he's detained by the cops? Probably a bullet.

 

[Simple Jack]

So what's going to happen to old mate who ran onto the track now he's detained by the cops? Probably a bullet.

Would not be in the slightest bit surprised.

 

[Main Man]

Red Bulls pace looks good running low down force, long run pace fast and consistent. Hopefully a better showing for them come Sunday.

 

[Smeg Head]

This one getting a FTA run? Although the lack of any qualy now on takes away a huge amount of the viewing anyway.

 

[JUBJUB]

This one getting a FTA run? Although the lack of any qualy now on takes away a huge amount of the viewing anyway.

No,next weeks race will be on Ten

 

[JUBJUB]

WHAT THE ACTUAL

Bloke just ran across the track

That was just fricking odd.He seemed to jump over the other side inbetween or near teams on the pit wall.How far did he think he would get with all those people there ?

 

[Smeg Head]

That was just fricking odd.He seemed to jump over the other side inbetween or near teams on the pit wall.How far did he think he would get with all those people there ?

Worst season ever since I can't see any of it.

 

[Simple Jack]

Worst season ever since I can't see any of it.

Well you clearly have the internet so you can see as much of it as you want.

 

[Smeg Head]

Well you clearly have the internet so you can see as much of it as you want.

Well yeah without the simplicity and better looks of the tv.

 

[Simple Jack]

Well yeah without the simplicity and better looks of the tv.

Well for us on the east coast it was actually significantly better looking than the TV.

 

[Smeg Head]

Well for us on the east coast it was actually significantly better looking than the TV.

Hey all our GST has to go to something!

 

[JUBJUB]

Did anyone hear Ted on tonights F1 Show on Fox Sports explain why the bloke ran across the track ?
You'd think he was taking the piss when he said this but he said apparently the guy thought when you come to an F1 race you get to have a drive in the car,so he was heading to the Mercedes garage for his turn.

I think someone might headed here