10 Things to look out for at the 2015 Chinese Grand Prix

The F1 season resumes in Shanghai this weekendRound three of the 2015 Formula 1 calendar is here, and Shanghai’s International Circuit is playing host to it. The fans from all around the world always look forward to the racing in China, thanks to the track at Shanghai, being overtaking friendly and challenging for the drivers in general. But, the race this weekend at the smoggy atmosphere of Shanghai will particularly be interesting because of what happened a fortnight ago in Sepang. As Sebastian Vettel clinched his 40th win in Malaysia, he comprehensively defeated both Mercedes in a straight fight to the flag. That means, this weekend, all eyes will be on Mercedes, and how they cope with the Ferrari and Vettel attack.Still, are many more things to look out for during the Grand Prix this weekend, and we have made a list of the 10 most important ones.

#10 The weather in Shanghai

The Rain in Shanghai can mix things up a lot

The Shanghai International Circuits atmosphere is most of the times gloomy and smog filled, but that doesnt affect the racing. But, the F1 weatherman will be working extra hard this weekend to predict whether the rain is coming or not. Thereis a threat of rain over the weekend, but is it mostly timed for showers after the sessions are over in the evening, especially on Sunday.

However, rain can strike anytime, and we have seen in the past that the F1 weather Gods can have their own ways to surprise the paddock with occasion showers. This will certainly give all the team members few more grey hairs, but, we, the fans, will rejoice this type of sudden pandemonium.

#9 Marussia-Manor and two of their cars

Even we could not find a picture of two Manors running together

By the end of the Chinese Grand Prix, the Manor team will have successfully arrived at 3 race-weekends this season. Although the team did not run a single lap at the Australia race, but the 3 race mark is the key for the team to claim last years lucrative prize money.

But, there are reports in the media that the team cannot simultaneously run 2 race cars, at any given session. The team has of course flatly denied this, and dodging acquisitions has become a norm for the squad this season.

Force India, who were, and still are, apprehensive about the teams makeshift entry to the 2015 season, will closely follow this for obvious reasons. Manor insists that they can run 2 cars and will hope to prove Force India and everyone wrong this weekend at China.

#8 The never coming epiphany at McLaren-Honda

McLaren Honda: Hoping for the best, preparing for the worst

McLaren are getting closer to the midfield, day by day. But, another track, where long straights are prominent, is not what the doctor had ordered for the beleaguered team. Avoiding being third and fourth last on the qualifying grid will be the main aim of McLaren, and bringing both the cars home during the race will be the key. The team desperately needs an epiphany, and it just cannot come any later.

Honda will not enjoy this, as its their engine which is getting all the bad press;when they have cars to sell and profits to make from the prominent automobile markets.

#7 Sauber and their young drivers

Points are getting away from both the Sauber drivers, and when you are in the Swiss team, you cannot afford to do that. Both Felipe Nasr and Marcus Ericsson must take as many points as possible during the time McLaren, Force India and Lotus are faltering. The pressure is on team boss Monisha Kaltenborn, and she has to make sure Sauber capitalizes on the fact that they have a very quick car and engine package this season.

Rookie championship is also heating up, with Toro Rosso duo of Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz Jr making the most of Saubers misfortunes.

#6 Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado

Lotus has shown their E23 it is a pretty decent car, and thanks to the Mercedes Power Units behind, it is quite fast too. But, error and mistakes in various forms has meant that, points have evaded the team in the first two races of the season.

Now the responsibility of opening the table-tally lies in the hands of both their drivers. And, since the whole package is well and truly capable of that; the pair should only focus on brining the car home, in one piece.

It will be very interesting to see if the Lotus boys can cut their daredevil attitude in China, and safely bring in some desperately needed points of the team.

#5 Vatteri Bottas

Bottas: hoping to challenge the Ferraris this weekend

Bottas said he was not 100 percent during the Malaysian Grand Pix, in which the Finn came home in 5th after overtaking teammate Felipe Massa on the penultimate lap. But, he has now reassured everyone that he is absolutely fit to tackle the Chinese Grand Prix, and will not have any issues with his back in the future.

The Williams man was using adjustable pedals in order to race in Malaysia, but that didnt stop him to put on a good show. It will be good to see Bottas back on optimum condition so that we can expect a better Williams challenge up at the front.

#4 Can Toro Rosso once again beat their Parent Team?

It is always special to beat your seniors

It is not certain whether this will be because of Toro Rossos pace, or the lack of it, from Red Bulls side. The small Italian squad, also owned by Red Bull, is looking sharp and making the most out of the Renault engine. Whilst, Red Bull is having various issues, and grave ones in that with the power units. The Austrian team is struggling to find top speeds and is expected to struggle again at the Shanghai circuit because it features 2 long straights.

This would give Toro Rosso another good chance to topple up some good points in their quest to reach the top 5 in the championship standings.

#3 The things going around Nico Rosbergs mind

Rosberg: the most worried driver in the paddock

Rosberg is insisting that Vettels win, and the Ferrari mans possible title challenge, is good news for him. He believes his compatriot can take points off Hamilton in the championship challenge, which can in turn help him out at the end of the season. However, some believe, this makes Rosbergs task even more difficult. There is a good chance now that Vettel might fit in between Hamilton and Rosberg in the pecking order. And, this is a cause of concern for the Mercedes driver. It will be interesting to the see Rosbergs actual demeanor during the weekend uponwhether he decides to attack Hamilton or play safe for a second place.

Rosberg doesnt want a win, he desperately needs it.The chips are drying out on the floor, and he needs to pick them up quickly, or else even a comfortable second place might be difficult to achieve this season. And, this will not go down well with the German hierarchy.

#2 The Mercedes Fight Back

Mercedes knew Ferrari was going to win races, or at least challenge for them, during the year after their impressive pre-season testing pace. But, you can easily assume that, Round 2 wasnt the race they were thinking would go to the Scuderia. The German team is angry, and they do not want another Malaysia.

But, all things being equal, we can expect them to bounce back this weekend, and bounce back hard. The Silver Arrows would like normal services to be resumed. And, do not bet against them, as they still look the favorites to take the winning champagne home, in the hands of Hamilton especially.

#1 Will the Italian-German combo shine again?

The first time when the Vettel and Scuderia association was announced, the Schumacher-Ferrari era came to everyones mind. And, like allsportsman, the young German, now in red, gave tribute to his hero after his maiden win with theItalian team. This new combo has started in an explosive way (with a podium and a win in the first 2 races), and is once again tipped as an outsider to win at China. In fact, odds on Vettelto challenge for the title are also getting hot.

Beating the mighty pair of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg for a second race in the running will be a daunting task, but not an impossible one. And, just like Malaysia, a safety car and some warm weather can come to the aid of the Germanand dare I say, for the F1 fans in general.

Edited by Staff Editor