2007 FORMULA 1™ Sinopec Chinese Grand Prix

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Shanghai

The Shanghai International Circuit was designed as the race circuit for the new millennium. The modern track, with its stunning architecture, has been planned as China's gateway to the world of Formula One racing.

Circuit architects Hermann Tilke and Peter Wahl on their creation: “The 5.4 kilometre racing track is shaped like the Chinese character 'shang', which stands for 'high' or 'above'. Other symbols represented in the architecture originate from Chinese history, such as the team buildings arranged like pavilions in a lake to resemble the ancient Yuyan-Garden in Shanghai. Here, nature and technology are carefully used to create harmony between the elements.”

Not only will the course be remarkable for its change of acceleration and deceleration in different winding turns, but also for its high-speed straights making high demands on the driver as well as the car. This should offer many opportunities for overtaking and give an intense and exciting motorsport experience to the spectators. The Main Grandstand with 29,000 seats provides a spectacular view of almost 80 percent of the circuit – one of the new features in race track design realised in Shanghai.

Shanghai

Race Date:07 Oct 2007
Number of Laps:56
Circuit Length:5.400 km
Race Distance:305.066 km
Lap Record:1:32.238 - M Schumacher (2004)

Shanghai International Circuit
29/F Jiushi Towers
28 Zhongshanng Road (South)
200010 Shanghai
China T: (+86)2163305555 F: (+86)2163306655

*information provided by www.formula1.com

two thirds of the track is all straight..looks like its gona be a battle of acceleration. It sounds pretty nice though..5.4km, and all those crazy turns on the top of the track.
I'm going to the 2008 Olympics..hope i get a chance to see it.

two thirds of the track is all straight..looks like its gona be a battle of acceleration. It sounds pretty nice though..5.4km, and all those crazy turns on the top of the track.
I'm going to the 2008 Olympics..hope i get a chance to see it.
the 2008 olympics are in Beijing, not Shanghai.

I hate that track so much... I can't possibly describe how confusing those corners are!!! It's in a class of its own. If you drive that track on a game (like Toca Race Driver 3), you'll understand the immense difficulty within this unique track.....

I hate that track so much... I can't possibly describe how confusing those corners are!!! It's in a class of its own. If you drive that track on a game (like Toca Race Driver 3), you'll understand the immense difficulty within this unique track.....
It's not that hard. I've driven that on F1 04 on my PS2. I was on career mode and i got first with a minardi.

^Maybe you just play too many video games :p

I use the full manual mode (Manual transmission w/ Clutch) on ToCa Race Driver 3, maybe that's why.....

maybe thats why. Because F1 04 wont allow me to use a manual, only autos.

^Well, I'm sure heel-toe shifting through those highly technical and complicated corners will be a PITA. I always heel-toe shift whenever I slow down into a corner.....

I can understand your frustration with this track on TOCA 3 I don't really like a lot of tracks on that game. Moving onwards I don't know what to expect from this race since the monsoon style rain (slight exaggeration) equalized everything in Japan. If it's dry it should be another slug fest between McLaren and Ferrari on the other hand if it's wet it'll be any body's race.

Any track, anywhere in the world, is difficult to drive. There's no such thing as an easy race.

Anyway, for the race, it will be weird seeing a bit of dry running, as it would be the first time I would have seen a dry race for three weeks. If it's dry, it will be a McLaren/Ferrari battle. If it's wet (hopefully it will be), as Koenigseggfan said, it's anybodys race.

Hopefully Honda can get some points here, but I feel it will suit the Ferraris a bit more than the McLarens.

I quite like racing on this track, i like the first corner, and that slanted curve. its all great fun.

But apparently we are to expect another Wet race, no probelm, it will make everything so ,much more interesting.

All i hope is that Lewis beats Alonso, so that he wins the championship, and Massa can be free to win the Brazilian GP

2 big straights. Good. I think that the downforce will be low. They will turn the spoilers high. I don't know though.

I hope BMW to get the 4th place in qualifyings. Just to beat Ferrari and Mclaren.

Anyway, for the race, it will be weird seeing a bit of dry running, as it would be the first time I would have seen a dry race for three weeks.

You should watch more motorsport then F1 if Belgium was the last bit of dry racing you saw.:p

Anyway, I always like the chinese gp. The long straight is perfect for overtaking, but there are more spots on the track to overtake. Schumacher made an awesome move on Alonso last year in the first set of corners. And there are enough new drivers to make a manouvre where it takes some balls to do it, like Kubica, or Hamilton if he needs it.
I'm looking forward to this one.

Three words people:



KIMI, KIMI, KIMI !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:D

Three words people:



KIMI, KIMI, KIMI !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:D
You do know that Kimi has no chance whatsoever in attempting to win the title.

You do know that Kimi has no chance whatsoever in attempting to win the title.

Yes he does. He's 17 points down at the moment, so technically he still can win the championship.

All it takes is for a McLaren stuff up and a strong Kimi result, and we may have 4 drivers heading into Brazil with the chance for the title.

Yes he does. He's 17 points down at the moment, so technically he still can win the championship.

All it takes is for a McLaren stuff up and a strong Kimi result, and we may have 4 drivers heading into Brazil with the chance for the title.
And what are the chances that Hamilton would get 0 points and Kimi getting straight back to back podiums without Massa fighting against him for a win. Very slim.

And what are the chances that Hamilton would get 0 points and Kimi getting straight back to back podiums without Massa fighting against him for a win. Very slim.

Still a chance. Who would have thought Alonso would have retired at Fuji? Not many.

Anything can happen, and I'm counting out anything until the deal is done.

Still a chance. Who would have thought Alonso would have retired at Fuji? Not many.

Anything can happen, and I'm counting out anything until the deal is done.
And if Hamilton Scores points in the chinese GP, Kimi's probably not gonna be happy at all.

Basically for Kimi to win it he needs both McLarens to retire in both races and him to win both races. If Hamilton finishes 5th or higher, irrespective of Kimi winning it, hes out.

But like Timbit, im not celebrating Hamiltons championship just yet, the way this seasons been it may well be Kimi winning it!

I want a Hamilton win, just to wrap it up nicely, i dont want him winning it by coming say 3rd above Alonso. I want him to win it, out and out.

Come on Hamilton! If he wins this weekend i may just pass out from over excitement!

Yes he does. He's 17 points down at the moment, so technically he still can win the championship.

All it takes is for a McLaren stuff up and a strong Kimi result, and we may have 4 drivers heading into Brazil with the chance for the title.
Unfortunatly Massa is out of it, all due to Monza and Wurz wacking him in Fuji.

I also wanted to point out that when Massa and Kimi had pit stopped an equal amount of times, Massa was ahead. So somthing i can be proud of, lol.

As for next week. Ferrari track, and Ferrari will clearly give kimi the advantage here. So a Kimi pole probaly Followed by massa hopefully then Lewis, then Alonso.

But i think Ferrari reliabilty will creep its ugly head onto kimis car in china, since hes had no probelms since Europe.

You do know that Kimi has no chance whatsoever in attempting to win the title.

BAH, don't be such a scrooge lol !

Basically for Kimi to win it he needs both McLarens to retire in both races and him to win both races. If Hamilton finishes 5th or higher, irrespective of Kimi winning it, hes out.

But like Timbit, im not celebrating Hamiltons championship just yet, the way this seasons been it may well be Kimi winning it!

I want a Hamilton win, just to wrap it up nicely, i dont want him winning it by coming say 3rd above Alonso. I want him to win it, out and out.

Come on Hamilton! If he wins this weekend i may just pass out from over excitement!

Basically if Kimi plays dirty and pushes Hamilton off the track, Hamilton will moan for not winning the title (Poor Hamilton :rolleyes:) and then Kimi would just have to bully Alonso and Massa is out of it now so I/Kimi don't have to worry about him then win the title that would really upset the Hamilton & Alonso fanboys wouldn't it :D ????

Quotes from Kimi:

“At least we will try to make it more difficult for them by winning these last two races.”

“We will not give up. No way."

I have just realised that if Kimi plays dirty McLaren will very likely complain if he did drive dirty because we all know Hamilton likes to think he is 'untouchable' (Moaning about Alonso at Spa) and he will then be penalised coincedently giving the 'wonder kid' the championship. That better not happen !!!

^Of course he will get penalised...if Raikkonen deliberately pushes Hamilton off the track then he deserves a harsh penalty. Anyway that won't happen because Kimi won't be pushing anyone off the track.

Anyway I have a feeling Lewis will secure the championship this weekend. He had an awesome race in Fuji and things are really looking good. Get a win Hamilton, and do it!

^Of course he will get penalised...if Raikkonen deliberately pushes Hamilton off the track then he deserves a harsh penalty. Anyway that won't happen because Kimi won't be pushing anyone off the track.

Anyway I have a feeling Lewis will secure the championship this weekend. He had an awesome race in Fuji and things are really looking good. Get a win Hamilton, and do it!

Yeah I know but you just know that if Kimi did a move (a fair move) on Hamilton, McLaren will complain to race control :mad: !

It ain't over till its over !

As long as Hamilton beats Alonso i dont care what Kimi does, hes not going to win it.

Nemphis, look at what it says under your name, i remember telling you that i would laugh very hard if Kimi didnt pull it off, its sooooo close to that time!

I cant see how anyone would say that Hammy hasnt deserved this championship, hes worked his ass off to get here and this year. You may call him the wonder kid/golden boy whatever, you cant deny hes got skills beyond what you would expect. I only think 1 person in the sports history has won the championship in their first season, back in the 50's (I think) and Hamilton is on the verge of doing that again, he smashed the record for most consecutive podium finishes from first race. (it was previously 2, Hamilton got 9!) Hes very close to beating Alonso's record of youngest ever world champion. You can call him whatever you want and say hes overrated, but remember, hes a rookie, hes in his first f1 season! Rookies dont do this, even Senna or Shui didnt come into the sport with the kind of competitiveness that Hamilton has. And to beat a double world champion in an identical car in your first season is remarkable. If he can do what he does now, imagine what he might do in the future, i dont think he will dominate it quite to the level that Schumacher did but he will be an extremely hard guy to beat in a few years time.

Guys, we don't know what will happen at the end. All are open. Don't be so sure for Hamilton. These are chances.

Im not saying hes definately going to win it, we all know how fast things can turn in F1. But it does look good for Hamilton, hes got one hand on the trophy so to speak. If he wins this weekend, i will go mental! Seriously i will dance around my house screaming if he does, i want him to win so badly. Just to wipe the remaining smile from Alonso's face.

BRING IT HOME FOR BRITAIN HAMMY!!!

I want Hamilton to win the Championship but for Kimi to make up a lot of ground in the next two races and come second ahead of Alonso not to far behind Hamilton. That's what I would like because Hamilton diserves it but next year since he wont be a rookie anymore I will be rooting for Kimi outright! lol With my luck though Kimi will get horrible finishes int he next to races and finish 3rd with the Mclearen boys way out in front. I have really no doubt though that Hamilton will win.

Yeah I know but you just know that if Kimi did a move (a fair move) on Hamilton, McLaren will complain to race control :mad: !

It ain't over till its over !

It will be a lockout. Ferrari will claim it was fair, McLaren will say it was unfair. Best scenario is for Kimi not to crash into anyone.

But, I agree that it's not over until it's over, but it's practically over and Hamilton is in the hot seat.

@Beaver, I think nobody has won the championship in their debut, so that will be another record to add to the ever-increasing book if he wins it.

Just an opinion, shall I do an end of season write up of the F1 season like I did last year?

Ill have a check benny!

If no one ever has, then my already massive respect for Hamilton just got a hell of a lot bigger! Hes already got 4 or 5 records! In his first season!!

Edit: I was right, but only by technicality that it was the first F1 season so they were all in essence "rookies". It was won by Nino Farina in 1950, the year Formula one world championship began. Since then, no rookie has ever won the championship. So he will really be the only rookie ever to win the championship if he does!

Wow!

^Yeah, you're right, it was a technicality. I thought you were right after I posted, because the actual championship started in 1950, didn't it.

But he'll probably get the record anyway. ;)

Bloody impressive whichever way you look at it, though.

I don't think Nino counts, it was the first year of F1 he won, so everyone was sort of a rookie, so a Rookie had to win.

Lewis is the first to win his debut and is the youngest champion yet.

As long as Hamilton beats Alonso i dont care what Kimi does, hes not going to win it.

Nemphis, look at what it says under your name, i remember telling you that i would laugh very hard if Kimi didnt pull it off, its sooooo close to that time!

I cant see how anyone would say that Hammy hasnt deserved this championship, hes worked his ass off to get here and this year. You may call him the wonder kid/golden boy whatever, you cant deny hes got skills beyond what you would expect. I only think 1 person in the sports history has won the championship in their first season, back in the 50's (I think) and Hamilton is on the verge of doing that again, he smashed the record for most consecutive podium finishes from first race. (it was previously 2, Hamilton got 9!) Hes very close to beating Alonso's record of youngest ever world champion. You can call him whatever you want and say hes overrated, but remember, hes a rookie, hes in his first f1 season! Rookies dont do this, even Senna or Shui didnt come into the sport with the kind of competitiveness that Hamilton has. And to beat a double world champion in an identical car in your first season is remarkable. If he can do what he does now, imagine what he might do in the future, i dont think he will dominate it quite to the level that Schumacher did but he will be an extremely hard guy to beat in a few years time.

I only call him the 'wonder kid' because ITV F1 love him and pratically every other media outlet in the UK and 90% of the British public love him.

I hate it when people think he is 'the great one' he isn't, he happens to have the privilige of driving a fast and reliable car thats why he is so good now I'm not saying he his crap he his good but god like good that the British media portray him as no way.

Is David Coulthard crap because he drives a midfield car with a poor reliability record ???

No he isn't so lets be realistic would Hamilton be in the position he is in now if he drove a Red Bull ????

No he wouldn't neither would he have his own tv show (ITV F1 Coverage) !

Guys, we don't know what will happen at the end. All are open. Don't be so sure for Hamilton. These are chances.

Yeah exactly dude !

Im not saying hes definately going to win it, we all know how fast things can turn in F1. But it does look good for Hamilton, hes got one hand on the trophy so to speak. If he wins this weekend, i will go mental! Seriously i will dance around my house screaming if he does, i want him to win so badly. Just to wipe the remaining smile from Alonso's face.

BRING IT HOME FOR BRITAIN HAMMY!!!

If Hamilton wins I will probably commit suicide !

^^
Joke BTW !

No but seriously I would be annoyed because Kimi would have failed (once again :o) and I dread to think what ITV would do, they would have a field day with all the Lewis Hamilton praise they could do across all their channels :eek: ! Has we all know ITV love Hamilton to bits !

Oh and btw BRING IT HOME FOR FINLAND KIMI :D !!!!!!!!!

It will be a lockout. Ferrari will claim it was fair, McLaren will say it was unfair. Best scenario is for Kimi not to crash into anyone.

But, I agree that it's not over until it's over, but it's practically over and Hamilton is in the hot seat.

@Beaver, I think nobody has won the championship in their debut, so that will be another record to add to the ever-increasing book if he wins it.

Just an opinion, shall I do an end of season write up of the F1 season like I did last year?

I refuse to give up on Kimi winning the title besides Hockey season has started so F1 will take a back step now because we all know HOCKEY RULES :D !!!!!!!!!!

IMO, they have a right to praise Hammy for what he has achieved. Who else are they going to show? Button? Come on! (sorry benny!)

I want Hammy to get at least 5th, just to stop all your "its Kimis year" nonsence! :P

It hasnt been Kimi's year since Melbourne, its been Hamiltons year since around Monaco imo. Maybe earlier from his consistensy.

I wonder how the Ferrari's will fair this weekend IF it is extremely wet like in the Japanese Grand Prix. They "supposedly" now know the rule about starting the race behind the safety car with extreme wets on the car instead of inters.

The Chinese Grand Prix PreviewMcLaren’s Lewis Hamilton could be crowned world champion this weekend, thus becoming the first rookie ever to achieve that feat, if the cards fall right for him in Shanghai.

The 22 year-old Englishman has a 12-point advantage over team mate Fernando Alonso, and 17 over Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen. The latter duo are now the only men who can frustrate his ambition. Their respective scores are 107, 95 and 90.

Hamilton’s victory in Japan last weekend saw him become the first driver in Formula One history to reach the 100 point mark in only 15 races. Meanwhile, in his quest to retain his crown, Alonso will have a new MP4-22 chassis to replace the one he damaged severely at Fuji.

So long as Hamilton finishes ahead of Alonso he can secure the title in China, provided they finish in the points and Raikkonen does not win. The greatest pressure is thus on the Finn, but Hamilton refuses to think of the title yet and said: “We are going into these races with a really tight drivers’ battle with only 12 points between me and Fernando. Anything is still possible but I am feeling confident and very determined and I hope we will have another couple of exciting races.

“There has been a lot of talk over the last couple of days about the championship, but I just push that to the back of my mind. I am only focused on the next two races and doing the best I can in China and Brazil with the team. The last two races of this season are at tracks that I have not ever been to before. I don’t see that as a problem, as this has been the case on four occasions already this season, at Melbourne, Montreal, Indy and Fuji and I was on the podium at all these races.

“From what I understand of the Shanghai circuit, it is very vast in comparison with Interlagos, so we will probably have two quite different races. Everything is too tight for me to predict what will happen, but the races in China always seem to be exciting and I feel well prepared to take on the challenge.”

Alonso said: “My retirement in Japan has not made it easy for me in the championship, but there are still 20 points to be won and I am going to fight hard for each one of them. There is always a lot of talk of pressure and distractions at this time of the year, all I think about is racing and winning at Shanghai and Interlagos. We are all focused on this aim and giving the maximum over the next few weeks.

“I like to race at the Shanghai circuit, it is new but it has character, although I have mixed memories from the track. Last year was a frustrating race, whereas in 2005 I won. I hope to repeat this result this weekend! The track is very wide and has been designed to allow overtaking. Slipstreaming along the main back straight and then passing into the first corner is one of the main chances. You have to make sure you have as much momentum as possible when you exit Turn 13, so mechanical grip is as important as making sure we have a competitive top speed.”

Raikkonen said: “We know that we have a good car and that our package is competitive. I will be doing everything I can this weekend to win the race, and keep myself in the hunt for the championship going into the final race, at Interlagos.”

Designed by Hermann Tilke, the Shanghai International Circuit inaugurated the Chinese Grand Prix in 2004. The 5.451 kilometre track is shaped like the Chinese character ‘shang’ which means ‘high’ or ‘above’. It comprises seven left- and seven right-hand turns and features numerous overtaking opportunities.

Turn One has several possible apexes, then there is the corner at the end of the back straight, where the cars hit more than 320 km/h for more than a kilometre between Turns 13 and 14. It is a low to medium-downforce track, and this weekend Bridgestone will be supplying their hard and medium compound tyres.

* Information provided by www.formula1.com

IMO, they have a right to praise Hammy for what he has achieved. Who else are they going to show? Button? Come on! (sorry benny!)

:eek:

You blaspheme!

Nah just kidding dude.

It's totally understandable what ITV are doing, didn't you just expect it? They can't say ''Oh yeah, that Hamilton kid won, but we don't care!'' They have a right to cover Hamilton, and a right which they have not abused, and they have used it wisely.