Shanghai, the technical challenge

As at Fuji Speedway, car set-up is a compromise between slow-speed grip and straightline speed. Ideally, the five second-gear corners around the lap require high downforce, but the cars need to maintain a high top speed along the back straight, and that forces the teams to take off wing to reduce drag. There are more high-speed corners than at Fuji, however, so a neutral car balance is crucial to achieve a good lap time.

The key corners are the slower ones because it is through there that the cars spend the most time. However the drivers must have confidence in their machinery through the long, tightening Turn 1 and the sixth gear chicane at Turns 7 and 8 if they are to put a good lap together. Rain has played a part in recent races, so car set-up also needs to reflect the unpredictability of Shanghai’s microclimate.

Full throttle: 55%
Brake wear: Medium
Downforce level: Medium/High - 7/10
Tyre compounds: Medium / Hard
Tyre usage: Medium
Average speed: 203kph (126mph)