This weekend marks a significant milestone for Formula 1: the running of the 1,000th Grand Prix. Shanghai International Circuit plays host to this momentous event as it hosts the Chinese Grand Prix for the 16th time. Built outside the most populous city in the world the venue has the highest spectator capacity of any on the F1 calendar at 200,000. The circuit is known for its long back straight, the longest of any F1 circuit, and turns with changing radii such as Turn 1 which starts wide and becomes sharp as the track turns 270 degrees.
Toro Rosso will be celebrating a milestone of their own this weekend: their 250th Grand Prix. Both Red Bull teams will seek to build on their performances in the first two Grands Prix with Toro Rosso having the possibility of scoring points with one, if not two cars should this circuit not suit Renault’s power unit. Red Bull Racing’s will be trialing a few small upgrades ahead of a larger package due in Spain as they attempt to improve the balance of their chassis. Their aim will be firmly set on getting both cars home above P6.
Elsewhere on the grid, it’s anyone’s guess whether Ferrari’s finicky performance advantage will be enough to prevail over Mercedes’ reliable power. This race should give us a more definitive answer as to where these two powerhouses stand. Despite an off performance in Bahrain Haas still has to be favorite for best-of-the-rest with their robust Ferrari power unit. Conventional logic would say a Renault should be fighting Haas closely but after Bahrain exposed weaknesses in their power unit they may run de-tuned until their issues can be sorted. Instead, we should look for Alfa Romeo to be strongly in this fight. Next battle will be between a Racing Point and a McLaren as those two duke it out for the prospect of a low points-paying position. Both Williams cars will be relegated to the back of the order.
US TV SCHEDULE
Practice 1 – Thursday, April 11, 9:55 PM –
ESPNEWS
Practice 2 – Friday, April 12, 1:55 AM – ESPN2
Practice 3 – Friday, April 12, 10:55 PM –
ESPNEWS
Qualifying – Saturday, April 13, 1:55 AM – ESPN2
On The Grid – Sunday, April 14, 1:30 AM – ESPN2
Race – Sunday, April 14, 2:05 AM – ESPN2
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 *
2019 tyres: Hard (C2), Medium (C3), Soft (C4) (2018: Medium, Soft, Ultrasoft)
*Fastest lap set during a Grand Prix
Data sources:
FIA
, Williams, Mercedes
2018 RESULTS:
Race laps: 56
Pole sitter: Sebastian Vettel, 1:31.095
Fast race lap: Daniel Ricciardo, 1:35.785
Podium:
1. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull
2. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes
3. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari
CURRENT STANDINGS:
Constructors
1. Mercedes, 87
2. Ferrari, 48
3. Red Bull, 31
4. Alfa Romeo Racing, 10
5. McLaren, 8
6. Haas, 8
7. Renault, 6
8. Toro Rosso, 3
9. Racing Point, 3
10. Williams, 0
Drivers
1. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes, 44
2. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 43
3. Max Verstappen, Red Bull, 27
4. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, 26
5. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari, 22
6. Kimi Raikkonen, Alfa Romeo Racing, 10
7. Lando Norris, McLaren, 8
8. Kevin Magnussen, Haas, 8
9. Nico Hulkenberg, Renault, 6
10. Pierre Gasly, Red Bull, 4
Reply