Formula One: China Grand Prix – live!

The Shanghai International Circuit is 5.451 km (3.388 mi) long and contains 16 corners. The track is designed to resemble the Chinese character shang (the first half of the name Shanghai).

The circuit opened in 2004, can hold up to 200,000 spectators, and cost US $450m to build.

In the 15 races before today there have been only three multiple winners, Fernando Alonso (2), Nico Rosberg (2), and Lewis Hamilton (5). The Englishman’s dominance is reflected in Mercedes’ superiority on the track with a Silver Arrow victorious on a record five occasions, all in the past seven years.

Here’s Giles Richards’ report from qualifying, noting the intriguing battle likely to unfold during the race whereby Ferrari’s straightline speed will offer them an advantage on the two long straights but it remains to be seen if that’s enough to counteract Mercedes’ superior control through the 16 corners.

And here’s what the fastest lap in qualifying looks like from inside the polesitter’s car.

It’s an all-Mercedes front row in China with championship leader Valterri Bottas edging teammate Lewis Hamilton for pole. Behind them, and for only the second time in F1 history, the top ten continues the symmetry with each row occupied by two cars from the same team.

There were 18 qualified starters with Williams once again bringing up the rear. However Antonio Giovinazzi failed to set a time in qualifying and Alexander Albon didn’t take part following his nasty crash in practice but both have been allowed to start following major technical upheaval to their vehicles, Giovinazzi from the back of the field, Albon from the pit lane.