2017 Chinese Grand Prix Likely to Extend Ferrari vs Mercedes Duel

The Chinese Grand Prix is one of the latest additions to the Formula One season after having been included into the F1 calendar in 2004, a relatively short space of time considering the iconic tracks like Silverstone and Monaco.

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The 2017 Chinese Grand Prix will be held on April 9, a huge departure from the days when it used to play a role in the title race towards the end of the season.

Chinese GP History

Lewis Hamilton happens to be the most successful driver at the Chinese Grand Prix after having won the race an incredible four times. Fernando Alonso and Nico Rosberg have won the race twice each. In terms of Constructors’ record, Ferrari and Mercedes have dominated the event. Yet, Mercedes have been the recent force when it comes to the Chinese Grand Prix. They have won the last four out of five editions. McLaren have three wins to their name.

Location

The Shanghai International circuit, which became the most expensive F1 track at the time of its unveiling, is the place where the Chinese Grand Prix is held. The circuit was constructed at a cost of $240 million and it was designed by Hermann Tilke who has designed several new F1 tracks including the Bahrain International Circuit.

The circuit length is 5.45 km, thus requiring 56 laps over the course of the race.

2017 Grand Prix

The 2017 event promises to be a tight contest, as Ferrari appear to have made a return to winning ways. Sebastian Vettel managed to win the opening race in Australia ahead of Lewis Hamilton, although the latter managed a pole position. Kimi Raikkonen also set the fastest lap in his Ferrari. The event is likely to be a contest between Ferrari and Mercedes for the title, with the former hoping to end the dominance of the German outfit.

What Happened on the First Day of Practice (April 7)

Red Bull's Max Verstappen topped an interrupted first practice at the F1 Chinese Grand Prix on Friday - with a fastest lap of 1:50,491. The day's 2nd session is yet to start in Shanghai. The opening session suffered a 45-minute delay because of poor visibility. A virtual safety car and a red flag actually limited running to about ten minutes in total. The Dutchman did his best while the track was green and moved to the top of the F1 Chinese Grand Prix standings. Weather conditions worsened in the afternoon, and racing red-flagged made the organizers wave off the session.

Hamilton of Mercedes used the time to interact with supporters who somehow made their way to the track and were there to witness the action.

Anyway, the limited time on the course means there'll be a huge pressure on all F1 teams to get things right in the Final Practice taking place tomorrow. It will be only 1 hour in duration.

Felipe Massa of Williams was second after Max Verstappen with 1:52,086, followed by Lance Stroll of Williams with 1:52,507.

Key contesters such as Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, and Kimi Raikkonen didn't do very well.

Bottom Line

The start of the session was actually repeatedly delayed as race officials waited on updates every ten minutes from the Shanghai International Aiport, calling the session off a few minutes before it was officially scheduled to end.

Sunday's Race Event will be an astonishing one, and many surprises may emerge – with a favourite Lewis Hamilton lighting up a dull day due to bad weather and Sebastial Vettel in a not-so-great form.