2012 Chinese Grand Prix - Preview

2012 Chinese Grand Prix
Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai



3.387 Miles per Lap
189.559 Miles
16 Corners
56 Laps



Last 5 Winners
2011 : Lewis Hamilton - McLaren
2010 : Jenson Button - McLaren
2009 : Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull
2008 : Lewis Hamilton - McLaren
2007 : Kimi Raikkonen - Ferrari

Track Stats
Most Wins : Lewis Hamilton - 2
Most Podiums : Kimi Raikkonen -4
Fastest Lap : Michael Schumacher - 1:32.238

Driver Stats

• In 2011, only Seven drivers stepped onto the podium (Vettel, Webber, Button, Hamilton, Alonso, Petrov & Heidfeld). After two races, there have already been Five different drivers on the podium (Button, Vettel, Hamilton, Alonso & Perez).
• Fernando Alonso is looking for his 20th fastest lap.
• Sergio Perez is set to race in his 20th race for the Sauber team.
• Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton are now locked together at 44 podiums each.

Weather
Friday :
Saturday :
Sunday :

Last Time
Lewis Hamilton took the first none-Red Bull win of the year with a great display, that proved that the Austrian team, and Sebastian Vettel, could be beaten. His strategy and driving skill helped him to beat his German rival. The result left us wondering whether 2011 would be a Vettel vs Hamilton battle. How wrong we were.

This Time
As apposed to the first none-Red Bull win, the team are currently looking for their first win of the season. They have struggled so far, and their luck has been running low. A second place at Australia could not be copied in Malaysia, half of that being due to a HRT front wing. Other teams will be looking to move on from the chaotic Malaysian GP. Ferrari will be hoping that race will be a one-off, but it looks likely that it may. So will Sauber, though they can still be hopeful for two points finishes. McLaren will be looking to improve. If luck had gone their way, they could easily of had a 1-2 at Sepang, resulting in a fantastic start to the season. However, lady luck was not on their side, and they have actually need a good weekend. Hamilton seems to be unbeatable on a Saturday, and will be favourite for Pole in China. Button, on the other hand, looks unbeatable on a Sunday. He cruised to victory in Australia, allowing him to control the race, and stay out of trouble. At Malaysia, he was not on his own out at the front,  and got too close to a HRT. It will be very interesting who comes out on top here. McLaren have won the last two Chinese GPs, while Red Bull will be very much hoping to stop their dry spot.