McLaren Honda go into the Chinese Grand Prix cautiously optimistic about aspects of the car’s potential; however, there is a nagging question of reliability after Jenson Button retired his car in Bahrain. Fernando Alonso is set to return after being cleared by the
FIA
medical team but he is subject to more tests. Based on his drive in Bahrain, McLaren may not have minded if Vandoorne had to sit in for another race.
Elsewhere on the grid we can expect the same order in the top 3-4 positions. What’s somewhat interesting is that Lewis Hamilton was handed a grid spot penalty for a transmission change which means he can only start 6th, at best. If Hamilton is unable to win from 6th Rosberg will have a commanding lead in the
WDC
. Interesting on the Ferrari side is despite being closer than ever to Mercedes, their lack of both cars finishing races puts them at a significant deficit in the Constructor’s championship. Could this be the race where Williams finally does something? Expect another strong finish from Ricciardo in the Red Bull. If he can get a clean race Magnussen is set to score Renault’s first point(s) since returning as a constructor.
US TV SCHEDULE
Practice 1: Thursday April 14th, 10PM
EST
,
NBC
Sports Live Extra
Practice 2: Friday April 15th, 2AM
EST
,
NBCSN
Practice 3: Saturday April 16th, 12AM,
NBC
Sports Live Extra
Qualifying: Saturday April 16th, 3AM
EST
,
NBCSN
Race: Sunday April 17th, 2:00AM
EST
,
NBCSN
CIRCUIT
DATA
Lap data
Lap length: 5.451km (3.387 miles)
Race laps: 56
Race distance: 305.066km (189.559 miles)
Pole position: Left-hand side of the track
Lap record*: 1’32.238 (Michael Schumacher, 2004)
Fastest lap: 1’32.238 (Michael Schumacher, 2004, race)
Maximum speed: 327kph (203.188 mph)
DRS
zone/s (race): Pit straight and longest straight
Distance from grid to turn one: 265m
Car performance
Full throttle: 56%
Longest flat-out section: 1397m
Downforce level: High
Fuel use per lap: 1.71kg
Time penalty per lap of fuel: 0.051s
*Strategy *
2015 prime tyre: Medium (2014: Medium)
2015 option tyre: Soft (2014: Soft)
*Fastest lap set during a Grand Prix
Data sources:
FIA
, Williams, Mercedes
2015 (V6
TURBO
ERA
) RESULTS:
Race laps: 56
Pole sitter: Lewis Hamilton, 1:35.782
Fast race lap: 1:42.208
Podium:
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
2. Nico Rosberg, Mercedes
3. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari
Reply