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2009 Chinese Grand Prix: 17 - 19 April 2009
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2008 DATA:
Length:
5.451 km |
No of Laps:
56 (305.066 km) |
2008 Pole Position:
L. Hamilton - 1:36.303 min (McLaren Mercedes) |
Lap Record:
M. Schumacher - 1:32.238min (Ferrari) |
2008 Fastest Lap:
L. Hamilton - 1:36.325 min (McLaren Mercedes) |
2008 Top 8:
1. Lewis Hamilton (McLaren Mercedes)
2. Felipe Massa (Ferrari)
3. K. Räikkönen (Ferrari)
4. F. Alonso (Renault)
5. N. Heidfeld (BMW Sauber F1 Team)
6. R. Kubica (BMW Sauber F1 Team)
7. T. Glock (Toyota)
8. N. Piquet Jr (Renault) |
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Chinese Grand Prix Facts:
| Full throttle ratio |
55% |
| Top speed race |
310 km/h |
| Longest flat-out section |
19 sec / 1370 m |
| Right-/left-hand turns |
9/7 |
| Tyre wear |
medium |
| Brake wear |
medium |
| Downforce level |
medium / high |
| Gearshifts per lap |
52 |
Track Preview: Shanghai International Circuit
Another one of the duo Peter Wahl and Herman Tilke's designs, the Shanghai International Circuit was designed as a circuit for the new millennium. With its spectacular architecture, the conceptualisation of the circuit came with the aim of bringin China into the world of Formula One racing.
Shaped in the like of the Chinese character "shang" that means "high" or "above", the 5.4 kilometer race track also sports other symbols that originate from China's long history. These include the team buildings that have been arranged like pavilions in a lake made to resemble the ancient Yuyan-Garden, located in Shanghai. As the architects note, "here, nature and technology are carefully used to create harmony between the elements."
With its unique combination of acceleration and deceleration through the twisty and winding turns, the track also boasts high-speed straights that have been designed to make incredible demands both on man and machine. With ample overtaking opportunities, the motorsports experience at the track will be one to savour for drivers and spectators alike. Another of the circuit's main features is the main graindstand, which provides a spectacular view of the bulk of the circuit.
Located just outside of the bustling city of Shanghai, the circuit is accessible by road. For international travellers, the city of Shanghai is served by the Pudong International Airport.
The BMW Sauber F1 Team on the Chinese Grand Prix
Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director:
“Shanghai is a booming metropolis with a population in the millions, and the scale of the race circuit and its facilities is unmatched anywhere else in Formula One. The track layout is demanding. The Chinese GP is of great interest commercially to both BMW as a car maker and to all of our partners. The Chinese market continues to have enormous growth potential. BMW has run its own production facility in China since 2004, where the BMW 3 Series and 5 Series models are produced as part of a joint venture.”
Willy Rampf, Head of Engineering:
“The Shanghai circuit is one of those where good aerodynamic efficiency is particularly important. The track demands high levels of downforce through the corners, but also allows good overtaking opportunities thanks to its generous width and long straights. The first corner, in particular, calls for excellent car balance. The drivers enter the corner at very high speeds and have to brake gradually right through the turn. From a driver’s point of view, this section is without doubt one of the highlights of the season.”
Robert Kubica:
“Shanghai is an interesting track with a very long straight and a good chance for passing moves. The circuit offers a mixture of very different corners; there are some slow areas but several highspeed sections as well. The first corner is a real challenge. You stay on the brakes for a long time and then you suddenly get to a left-hander. I haven’t had a lot of luck at this GP in the past so I’m hoping that will change in 2009 and I can pick up some World Championship points.”
PAST WINNERS
| Year |
Driver |
| 2007 |
K. Räikkönen (Ferrari) |
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2006
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M. Schumacher (Ferrari) |
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2005
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F. Alonso (Renault) |
Other Circuits