[Race] Chinese Grand Prix 2015

[chillibowl]

found myself a bit surprised when my phone woke me up this morning with a notification saying there was a race on this weekend.

despite Ferrari's win last round there doesnt seem to be much enthusiasm about the third round. no doubt a combination of the location (15th time the race has been held here) and the knowledge that Merc, barring mistakes, will once again dominate the weekends proceedings.

here is a link for the drivers press conference (here). listened to a bit of it but doesnt seem like anything interested was said with the exception of some mumblings from Massa presumably about how nice his jacket looks.

an infographic from the BBC breaking down many non relevant details.



mildly interesting is that Alonso has completed every lap of all 11 Chinese GP's so far held. seeing if Mclaren can make some progress so Alonso can continue his finishing record here might be as good as it gets.

the most amusing thing i could find to share came naturally from the crew at sniff petrol with a funny take on Mclaren's form (here).

hopefully the weekend exceeds my low expectations!

[Born Racer]

Thanks for the introduction, chillibowl. I wouldn't say there isn't much enthusiasm, just a sense of waiting for some track action. There have been lots of interesting threads here recently.

Having said that, it''s not an exciting track in my opinion. I always seem to find it a less interesting version of Sepang. That doesn't mean it won't generate good battling, though. Do you really think Mercedes are guaranteed to dominate? Ferrari's Sepang result may be a bit of an anomaly but it's less of a foregone conclusion than we might have thought.

[Bob Baldwin]

One thing we can look forward to is having both Merc and Ferrari Both on the podium but in which cars not sure yet . Let the practice begin

[chillibowl]

Originally Posted by Born Racer

Do you really think Mercedes are guaranteed to dominate?

i hope i am wrong but i do. that said, there is a reason why they run the races before declaring a winner so who knows.

[stripedcat]

It looks likely that Mercedes will dominate again. Ferrari sound a bit downbeat about their chances here. The sad thing is - it seems that Williams have gone a bit backwards compared to last year. I was hoping that they might take a few wins this year - but it looks likely that they won't.

I'm not a great fan of the circuit - but there have been some decent battles in the past - and one of the best races here was Jenson's win in the wet in 2010.

[ECW Dan Selby]

Originally Posted by Born Racer

Thanks for the introduction, chillibowl. I wouldn't say there isn't much enthusiasm, just a sense of waiting for some track action. There have been lots of interesting threads here recently.

Having said that, it''s not an exciting track in my opinion. I always seem to find it a less interesting version of Sepang. That doesn't mean it won't generate good battling, though. Do you really think Mercedes are guaranteed to dominate? Ferrari's Sepang result may be a bit of an anomaly but it's less of a foregone conclusion than we might have thought.

I get what you mean.

Smog, empty grandstands, and generally a drab, corporate looking presentation can do that to you.

Selby

[ECW Dan Selby]

Originally Posted by stripedcat

It looks likely that Mercedes will dominate again. Ferrari sound a bit downbeat about their chances here. The sad thing is - it seems that Williams have gone a bit backwards compared to last year. I was hoping that they might take a few wins this year - but it looks likely that they won't.

I'm not a great fan of the circuit - but there have been some decent battles in the past - and one of the best races here was Jenson's win in the wet in 2010.

Oh God, I have forgotten about that. Wouldn't mind seeing it again.

I can see Williams being ahead of Ferrari this time.

Selby

[Born Racer]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/32247300

Someone with a death wish or arrest wish has crossed the track.

[bjohnsonsmith]

Originally Posted by stripedcat

It looks likely that Mercedes will dominate again. Ferrari sound a bit downbeat about their chances here. The sad thing is - it seems that Williams have gone a bit backwards compared to last year. I was hoping that they might take a few wins this year - but it looks likely that they won't.

It's early days yet, only the third GP of the season, so there's a long way to go.

Originally Posted by stripedcat

I'm not a great fan of the circuit - but there have been some decent battles in the past - and one of the best races here was Jenson's win in the wet in 2010.

I can't say I'm a fan either, empty stands and camera angels that try to hide the fact and lots of smog. Personally, I think it's one race that should be off the calendar but it pays Bernie handsomely.

Can Ferrari maintain the momentum? That's what holds the interest for me.

[Paradise City]

It's one of these dismal venues that seems devoid of any atmosphere and character whatsoever. I wouldn't imagine going to any effort going to this GP unless I was living on top of the track itself or something.

It may very well be a good race. Probably inferior to Malaysia, superior to Australia. Can't wait to get out of these time zones as well.

[The Fat Clerk]

Having gone to the 2005 race I think that you're all being unfair, I thought it was a cracking venue and getting two looks at the cars from the stand at the first corner was a bonus.

It might look dull on television but when you combine it with a 2 week holiday around the country it's worth going.

If you want dull try Abu Dhabi, now that is a boring trip.

[stripedcat]

Originally Posted by The Fat Clerk

If you want dull try Abu Dhabi, now that is a boring trip.

Abu Dhabi - if they extended the main straight by another kilometer then the cars might be able to actually overtake there!

China is an expanding market - so no surprise that Bernie wants a Grand Prix there - just a shame that the track could be more exciting. Cars can race there - but it doesn't have the flow or challenges of say something like Sepang.

[djinvicta]

Or Donington...

[Lancsbreaker]

Oh, well, if practice gives any indication Ferrari seem to have found a way to wake Kimi up.......and Red Bull must have started using their sponsor's products......early indications that Merc may be heaver on their tyres again than Ferrari.....so we may have a race on our hands......

And Jenson in the top 10 in FP2

[stripedcat]

It looks like Riccardio has suggested a more back to basics approach for this weekend. Lets hope that the Red Bull can be a bit more competitive - it seems that the Renault engine is a bit of a dog. What's going on there? The Mercedes is obviously the front runner(especially from the factory team - as that has a special layout) and the Ferrari one - this year at least - seems to have some grunt. Plus, we all want to see Danny's smile again.

[Adam43]

Sparks (in the literal sense) from Kimi.

Martin has a theory that the Ferrari looks after its rear tyres well because it is a little on the understeery side.

[marc sproule]

that hamilton's seat has been getting hot.

seat was changed from fri to sat but still had same problem.

hmmmmmmmmmmm

[sizzle]

Originally Posted by Paradise City

. Can't wait to get out of these time zones as well.

I'm loving the time zones.

[canamman]

After watching that post quali interview,
Nico seems like a Mt. Vesuvius ready to blow.

I wont be surprised if he starts ramping up
the risk factor.

[stripedcat]

Originally Posted by Adam43

Sparks (in the literal sense) from Kimi.

Martin has a theory that the Ferrari looks after its rear tyres well because it is a little on the understeery side.

That might explain why Vettel has been faster than Kimi through the season so far. We know that Kimi does like the car very oversteery and darty(much like the Hamster and Schumi) - Vettel does as well - but according to Webber he like the rear of the car to be more stable and not move about as much.

The BBC feed said that the Ferrari wore its tyre less than the Mercedes. It might play into Ferrari's hands.

[GORDON STREETER]

It's certainly "woke up" the series now that Ferrari have got their act together, hopefully I can wake up in time and watch it live on my laptop on Anttena 3 in the morning, as long as I can fool it I'm still in Spain!

[bjohnsonsmith]

It's a very sunny day at Shanghai, makes a change from all the smog. Lot's of people in the main stand, as for the other stands, we'll have to wait until the race gets started.

[bjohnsonsmith]

A very clean start with Kimi's getting himself up to 4th.

[bjohnsonsmith]

Horner shaking his head as Kyvat goes out as his Renault PU gives up in spectacular fashion. Dietrich Mateschitz, won't be too happy either.

[bjohnsonsmith]

Some great racing between Button and Maldonado and it ends with Button and Maldonado coming together and Button damaging his front wing. Looks like Button overcooked it, what a shame.