Michelin: Kimi could have won for us...

Michelin boss, Pierre Dupasquier reckons that the Chinese Grand Prix could have been won by Kimi Raikkonen, had the Finn got ahead at the start, and not been 'held up' by eventual winner, Rubens Barrichello.

Speaking post-race, Dupasquier added that both Raikkonen, and Jenson Button 'drove exceptionally well', eventually finishing in the top three, the latter in second place.

"We predicted that our tyres would be well suited to race conditions in Shanghai and so it proved," reflected Dupasquier. "Our quickest two drivers were able to lap in the 1m 32s bracket towards the end of a stint - and that highlights our tyres' blend of speed and consistency.

"Jenson Button and Kimi Raikkonen both drove exceptionally well. If Kimi had been able to get ahead at the start, the race might have had a different complexion. It was clear that he was potentially faster than Barrichello during that opening stint. It would have been fascinating to see how the race might have panned out had he been able to get by but you can't change history.

"And Jenson looked in good shape to take his maiden F1 win using a different strategy, but I am sure he will win soon.

"Overall this has been an extraordinary event. The facilities in Shanghai are superb and the weekend has run smoothly from start to finish. It is an ambitious project that has been brilliantly executed. The track is technically challenging and permits drivers to race wheel to wheel - there were some entertaining battles throughout the field.

"We are now looking ahead to the Japanese GP, two weeks hence. In the meantime, Michelin's ceaseless quest for ever-greater performance goes on. Several of our partner teams will be testing this week at Jerez, Spain."

Bridgestone meanwhile could be content with another win - their 14th of the season out of 16 events.

"A great second consecutive win for Rubens - he drove superbly," commented Bridgestone's technical manager, Hisao Suganuma. "And the Sauber drivers also took points, which was very satisfying. We are generally very pleased with our tyre performance here in China and Michael and Rubens were extremely quick.

"Michael in fact took the fastest lap and was unfortunate that he had to start from the pits and then had a spin and a puncture. It just was not his day.

"However, a Bridgestone runner has now won at both of the two new circuits on the F1 calendar demonstrating the importance of our pre race research and simulations with our teams. Of course we now have a great deal more data to work with and we will be back next year in an even stronger position."