So thats it then. If it doesn't rain, Nico can go longer on the softs (if he gains pole), with fresh SS's essentially speeding him across the line. Brilliant. They didn't even split the tyres across Kimi and Seb. By the way the Chinese marshalls have always been hopeless.
Lewis Hamilton will use his second power unit of the 2016 season in the Chinese Grand Prix after the problems he suffered during qualifying. The world champion was unable to complete a lap in the session after reporting engine problems, which were later attributed to an issue with the ERS. Mercedes said the problem was caused by an MGU-H failure and that Hamilton will have a new power unit tomorrow. The team remains hopeful the old engine will be used again in the future. Hamilton will start the race from the back of the grid. "Of course, it's disappointing not to get out there today," said Hamilton. "It was going to be a tough weekend anyway with the grid penalty. "But these things are sent to try us. No one wants it easy - at least I know I don't. We might be in the mud right now - but we'll dig our way out. "We've got a great car and the team are doing a great job. There are areas we can improve but it's still early in the season and I know we'll get there. It's important that nobody lets their head drop. "The best thing we can do is learn from it and move on. I'm sure the guys are just as gutted as I am - but what will be, will be. We win and lose together, so we'll work hard to figure out what happened and try to make sure it doesn't happen again."
Nico Hulkenberg will lose three places on the grid of the Chinese Grand Prix for his incident during qualifying. The Force India driver lost the left front wheel of his car in the final minutes of Q2, forcing the session to be halted. Hulkenberg went on to Q3, but was unable to run and qualified in 10th. The German, however, was penalised as stewards deemed his team had sent the car out in an unsafe condition. The penalty means he will drop to 13th on the grid, moving Felipe Massa, Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button up one position.
Hamilton gets lucky again, with the gearbox and engine penalties somewhat nullifying each other on top of that it comes in a season when he doesn't then get a drive through for not being to serve them all... Wouldn't be surprised to see him win tomorrow with luck like that...
I don't understand why Q2 was red flagged, yes a wheel fell off, but car and wheel were well away from the racing line or anywhere that someone getting it wrong would end up. As for quali, should be a good race, excellent from Ricciardo but even if he gets the drop on Rosberg I don't think he'll stay up front very long once we get into active DRS zones, though the merc is not a great car in dirty air. Disapppointed Ferrari didn't get a front row once Hamilton was out, be interesting to see how quickly he gets through the midfield, and what strategy he'll go for, will they be tempted to start on the hards?
Alonso adamant that both Mclarens should have been top 10 today. Any chance of rain tomorrow to mix anything up?
McHonda should still be forced to complete the 2015 season with all the penalties they were able to knock on the head. I'm sure if we ask Ham whether he thinks an engine and gearbox failure is lucky, he may have a different view to yours.......
Hi guys, sorry I have not been on since the season started. I was quite busy with my work, my young baby and then I got a bad hip injury along with a pinched nerve. Couldn't walk for a while and was in serious pain. I just returned to work but still having some effects from the injury. Now to racing.... I am happy to see Ferarri is back in the game and that McLaren is on the up and up...sorry they didn't get to finish their hot laps in Q2 but that's life. A not about Hamilton...I think he should be happier starting at the back with a completely new power unit then starting 10th with an iffy unit. Rosberg should be happy that he has got the ideal start to the season..couldn't ask for more, but it's a long season. One question though, is Kimi warning to the new Ferarri? Seems like he is starting to get a little more out of it than Vettel, and he seems to be doing some really good race sims. The race should be exciting.
