China 2015 - GP Preview - Manor Ferrari

Round 3 of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, the 2015 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix, takes the Manor Marussia F1 Team to China for the second of four visits to the Far East this season. More than a decade on from its completion, the Shanghai International Circuit, situated in the Jiading District of Shanghai in the People’s Republic of China, continues to set the standard. The 5.451km track is anchored by a giant superstructure of a pit building, which is one of the most iconic features of the current Formula 1 venues. While the layout is similar to that of Sepang, the weather conditions couldn’t be more different, with the ambient and track temperatures tending to be low. Turn 1 is the track’s standout characteristic - a very demanding 270 degree, right-handed corner combination calling for a lot of speed on entry but tightening up towards the end.

John Booth

“After the fierce heat and humidity of Malaysia two weeks ago, the cool conditions here in Shanghai are quite a shock to the system. It’s always good to come to China though, especially to a circuit as impressive as this one. Thanks to our first full race distance at Sepang, we’ve been able to use the data gathered there to get our 2015 development programme underway and we’re looking forward to applying what we have learned from that in the field this weekend.”

Will Stevens

“There were some positive signs at Sepang with the running I was able to achieve, so I’m looking forward to building on that here in China. It’s been good to have the data from Roberto’s race there for the team to work with and I’m hoping that we can start to get into a good rhythm from this weekend. It’s always good to tackle a circuit I’ve never raced at before and this one has some nice challenges for both car and driver, so it will be good to experience those and to start getting to grips with the car a little more.”

Roberto Merhi

“I was very pleased to complete my first F1 race in Malaysia two weeks ago and I’m really looking forward to the next one here in China. The challenge of getting to know a new track is very exciting for me, especially one that places a lot of demands on the driver, as is the case here at Shanghai. In particular, Turn 1 is a pretty exciting start to the lap which is a real test of skill and the section from turns 7-10 looks really interesting because it’s quite fast and flowing. I can’t wait to get started on Friday.”