On Friday, 10th, F1 cars engines will roar at Shanghai for the first time this year when the first free practice will take place at 10:00 a.m. (local time).
After Ferrari’s Vettel victory in Malaysia, the question in the minds of F1 fans all over the world is: can we expect the same result at China? And the answer is hardly.
Malaysia triumph, besides a marvelous driving from Vettel, it was a mix of many factors that possible will not be repeated. Beginning with the race track: asphalt it’s not so abrasive as in Sepang and that, alone, was fundamental to Hamilton’s wear tires that took from him any chance of victory in Malaysia. After the defeat, Mercedes rushed things at their factory and is ready to present an aerodynamic update. Meanwhile, Nico Rosberg is very upset with himself and wants to show that he still can deliver, and everybody knows that when the German driver is focused it is a very tough contender.
Ferrari will race trying to get the best result in Shanghai with an eye in the championship since it’s possible that Sepang results can be achieved in other circuits, but, if a lucky star shines and another victory takes place, we should see a huge question mark rising in the paddock and a thrilling future for the season.
Williams has recognized that they are no longer in the same position as the end of 2014 and is fighting to get back to its pace, but will be hard to get there, if still is possible, before Spain.
Toro Rosso took Red Bull’s place at Top 4 teams so far, a situation does not so pleasure for the guys in Milton Keynes. To make things worst, that allows Renault to blame Adrian Newey’s project for the poor performances of the Bull’s, although everybody knows that the French power unit has issues.
Sauber can have a good race this weekend. The car showed that it is reliable and quick, but drivers Felipe Nasr and Marcus Ericsson needs to be more consistent, albeit Nasr reportedly had mechanical problems at Malaysia during practices and race.
Force India is another team with a good car and, as well Lotus, could end up at Top 10.
Manor will continue to struggle, but, deserves our respect for its perseverance.
McLaren is showing an evolution and if the goal now is to finish races, I think it soon will be able to end at the points.
2015 Chinese Grand Prix complementary information:
Place: SHANGHAI INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT
FIRST GRAND PRIX: 2004
NUMBER OF LAPS: 56
CIRCUIT LENGTH: 5.451 Km
RACE DISTANCE: 305.066 Km
LAP RECORD: 1:32.239 by MICHAEL SCHUMACHER (2004)
by Ialdo Belo
