***Shanghai Formula 1 GP 2004*** RACE

[sameerrao]

{EDIT}
well what a race, first time schumi finished a race with out points since 1999 or 8 i think in OZ when he finished 9 i think.

but i think was a good race, but what a good drive by barrichello, and schumi sets fast lap on the final lap, but i wounder what would of been the outcome if schumi didn't spin out... and what is up with the BAR teams colors?



{EDIT}

New circuit so no real history to report.

Circuit map

The overtaking opportunities are into turn 1, turn 7 and turn 8 in the above circuit map.

Circuit designed by Hermann Tilke and features some elevation changes unlike his other circuits. Really long straight.

Friday Practice
Dominated by Anthony Davidson of BAR whos was nearly a second faster than Button who was second fastest. His time - 1'33.289". Michael's fastest lap was 1'34.776 with Rubens about .35 secs ahead. Villenueve was about .35 secs slower than Alonso but both drivers were about a second slower than Schumi so quite disappointing. Ralf was back to speed very quickly having been faster than Montoya thru both sessions

Saturday Practice
The first practice session recorded slower times than Friday ... Ralf was quickest with 1'34''. Things improved in Practice 2 with the usual suspects back on form - Ferrari 1-2 with Michael doing a 1'33.448" and Rubens .35 secs behind. Kimi finished third fastest with 1'34.042 - impressive considering Mclaren did not do many laps at all - he shaded Coulthard by a huge margin.

Final Qualifying

Source: www.formula1.com


- Rubens on Pole
- Michael does a boo-boo - spins in turn one and aborts the lap. He will start from P20 - should be interesting race. I noticed that he was posting pretty slow times in the warm up lap - possibly his tires weren't up to temperature when braking into turn 1. Its rare that Michael doesnt take pole in a new circuit.
- Webber had tank slapper but didnt cause hime too much time
- Ralf beats Monty by 0.4
- Kimi is on P2 just 0.17 behind the pole man Rubens

Driver quotes - Qualifying
http://www.formula1.com/race/news/2263/729.html

Qualifying videos - onboard laps
http://f1videos.sites.uol.com.br/ --> no registration reqd