"On the whole, the track is a medium speed circuit with a relatively long straight and a fairly smooth surface – very similar to the surface in Turkey. Therefore, although we are looking for a strong compound to cope with the graining, Bridgestone’s tyres for China will be using compounds from the softer end of the range in order to get a competitive edge.”
Michelin has the happiest memories of last season’s corresponding race, with Alonso taking the victory to confirm
Renault as constructors' champion, and the tyre company locking out the top eight positions as all seven of its partner teams scored points.
"The
Formula One world championships for drivers and constructors have been fiercely contested all season and, with three races to go, both remain wide open,"
F1 director Nick Shorrock admitted, "We have been very busy during the past two weeks, in preparation for the forthcoming races in China and Japan, two radically different circuits that require a contrasting approach from our side. We have been testing new tyre evolutions at
Jerez and
Silverstone while, in addition, we have also been doing further development work to improve our qualifying pace.
"This will be only the third F1 race at Shanghai and there have been different tyre regulations in force every time. Consequently, we have had to work just as hard as we did in each of the two previous years to make sure we select appropriate products. Shanghai is a very distinctive track, with a couple of slow corners that seem to go on forever and two very long straights. At some points cars reach speeds well in excess of 300kph. Good traction is imperative for the twisty parts of the circuit, although tyres are subjected to fewer mechanical/thermal demands here than they are at some other venues.
