This weekend sees the sixth Formula One Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai. The Shanghai International Circuit sees 16 corners with Turns 1 and 2 making up a 270 degree, right handed corner sequence often classed as one of the most tricky set of corners in F1.
The track appears to favour Ferrari with the scarlet clad team winning three of the five races and McLaren and Renault winning one race apiece. Each of the previous five races held in China have been won by a different driver, most recently by McLaren-Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton who also holds the record for fastest lap with a 1:36.325.
This season reportedly could be the last for the Chinese Grand Prix with Qiu Weichang, deputy director of the Shanghai Administration of Sports, telling reporters in late 2008 that they were considering dropping the loss making race with a full decision being made sometime in 2009.
A contract has been put in place for F1 until 2010 and it is believed that around £34 million is paid annually to host the race. However the event hasn t proved to be as popular as anticipated with locals and attendance has been below expectations.
With the future of the circuit hanging in the balance, controversy over-shadowing the sport and no clear favourite for the win, this weekend s racing looks set to be interesting.
Read our full Chinese Grand Prix circuit guide here.
Will cars running KERS have the advantage? Who will be on pole? Who will win the race? Discuss the Chinese Grand Prix on our F1 forum.
