2012 UBS Chinese Grand Prix preview

After a lengthy period of three weeks since the Malaysian Grand Prix, the Formula 1 circus now moves on to China for the 9th running of the Chinese Grand Prix. With tyre degradation levels set to be high, as well as a threat of rain throughout the weekend, the Chinese Grand Prix could well be another exciting spectacle.

Last time out in Malaysia, the race was hit by a tropical storm and was subsequently suspended on lap 9. When the race eventually resumed, it transpired to be a battle between Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso and Sauber’s Sergio Perez. In the closing stages of the race, Perez began to pile immense amounts of pressure on the Spaniard, only for the Mexican to make a slight mistake towards the end of the lap. The race was won by Alonso, followed closely by Perez with Hamilton finishing a distant 3rd.

The first ever Chinese Grand Prix was held in 2004, and was won by the Ferrari of Rubens Barrichello. This was the Brazilian’s last win in a Ferrari, in a race which also saw the return of 1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve with Renault.

One of the most intriguing facts of the Chinese Grand Prix is the list of drivers’ who have won the event throughout it’s history. Only Lewis Hamilton has been able to become a multiple winner of the event (’08, ’11), whereas every other race has been won by a different driver from the last. This is undeniably a good omen for Hamilton, who has been unable to convert a pole-position into a race victory in both Australia and Malaysia.

Last season, the Chinese Grand Prix was won by the McLaren of Lewis Hamilton, who overcame a fuel issue prior to the race. Jenson Button lead the race until lap 13, when the 2009 World Champion accidentally pitted into the Red Bull garage, thus momentarily holding up Sebastian Vettel. This mistake allowed Vettel to leapfrog the Brit, with Button eventually finishing the race 4th.

With Lewis Hamilton yet to win a race in 2012, he’ll be hoping that history repeats itself this weekend and that the 2008 World Champion can open his winning account for the 2012 F1 season.

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