2014 Formula 1 UBS Chinese Grand Prix

[f1since08 60]

Mercedes will be hoping to take a 4th consecutive win in China, as we head into the 11th running of the Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai. A win for Hamilton will see him close the gap to team mate Rosberg to a minimum of 4 points depending on Nico's finishing position, where as a win for the German will extend the gap to at least 18 points.

Race Information:

Track: Shanghai International Circuit

Number of laps: 56 http://

Circuit Length: 3.4 miles (5.5km)

Race Length: 189.6 miles (305.1km)

Fastest Lap: 1:32.238 (Michael Schumacher, Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro, 2004)

First Grand Prix: 2004

2013 Pole Position: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG Petronas, 1:34.484

2013 Race Winner: Fernando Alonso, Scuderia Ferrari

Pirelli Tyre Compounds Available: Option - Soft, Prime - Medium, Intermediate, Wet

Race Preview:

Although he has raced in Formula 1 since 2007, Lewis Hamilton has never taken 3 wins in a row before. He will be hoping to put an end to that record this weekend, however this track heralds bad memories in the Brit's mind, with the pit entry having cost the driver the 2007 world championship. The same cannot be said for his team mate, who took his maiden win at this circuit in 2012 in dominant fashion after his then team mate Michael Schumacher retired with a loose wheel.

Nico Hulkenberg led here last year for Sauber and will be looking to continue Force India's good start to the season - as will his team mate Sergio Perez who claimed his first podium for the team last time out in Bahrain.

Ferrari come into this race with a new team principal in the shape of Marco Mattiacci - the CEO of Ferrari North America - after Stefano Domenicali resigned from the role coming into the race. He will be looking to make an instant impact, as the Scuderia's season so far has been dismal with Ferrari lying 5th in the constructors' championship. Red Bull come into the race knowing that Ricciardo's disqualification from the Australian Grand Prix has been upheld. They will be hoping for a good result on the track in which Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber claimed the team's first win - and one two - in 2009.

[MBKF1 91]

I'm expecting another Mercedes 1, 2. They are so quick, the only reason they won't get a 1, 2 is if they have reliability issues or crash.

[KRTheIceman 0]

Ready to watch Mercedes powered cars overtake everyone else on the straight, that's it.

[couger1981 89]

Vettel's finger should get a good warmup during the race haha

[TheBlackFlag 0]

A combination of Lewis' China record and the crushing performance of the Merc's should leave little room for anyone els

[Syn 2]

Barring any mechanical issues, I expect Hamilton to take this, though Alonso or Riccardo might squeak in for P2 should Roseberg get a pour start. Vettel *might* be competitive if he doesn't have any issues, but we'll see.

[f1since08 60]

I'm expecting Rosberg to take this one with his China record, though I think it'll be close.

And Maldonado. HAHAHAHAHA!!

On 5 Live, Eric Silverman said Lotus could have good pace this weekend if Maldonado doesn't destroy all the parts. What a lad!

[MBKF1 91]

Maldonado is such a wally.

[couger1981 89]

Maldonado crashes in the pits haha :D

F1 times

[Tommig1995 0]

I really can't believe a) He turned right at T9 and b) He did a Hamilton in the pit lane. What a joker. "Best Move Ever!"

[Tylerrnty1 0]

Good job lotus, great pick! I am predicting Merc to win again, and the Merc powered cars to finish not far behind :D

[MBKF1 91]

And did you hear, Maldonado said that with his collision with Gutierrez it wasn't the tyres that hit, but it was in fact the sidepod.

lolok then. Even though it is CRYSTAL CLEAR that it was the tyres. What a div. He is never wrong in any situation, is he.

[Tylerrnty1 0]

He probably crashed onto something before he raced!! Probably why he is like that :P

[onetwothree 0]

Rosberg lol.

[JensonBottom 1]

Ahahahahahahahaha Vettel. Go home, you're nothing special.

[couger1981 89]

Vettel said he has good pace for the race and can challenge haha

[GoldenColt 1]

Watching Vettel struggle so much against Ricci makes up for the last 4 years in an awesome way.

Finally F1's giving me satisfaction again.

[JensonBottom 1]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/113529 I'd like to leave this article here too.

[MATT 23]

Dan Ricciardo <3. 

[GoldenColt 1]

JensonBottom said:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/113529 I'd like to leave this article here too.

Thumbs up for JB.

[GoldenColt 1]

I'd literally pay Seb some money to sign up in here Tom. ;) :P

[Mexicola 10]

Maldonado's blunder in P1 is seriously one of the funniest things I've ever seen in my life.

[onetwothree 0]

Where is Seb anyway?

[JensonBottom 1]

Oh I made him mad on Twitter.

[onetwothree 0]

But you two were best friends?

You were like Mikey and @Lukedfrt.

Speaking of which...