After a solid start to the season so far, despite suffering more than most from tyre degradation issues, brought on by the rush to get the car ready following their late decision to go with Ferrari power in 2016, Toro Rosso are all systems go for China.
Max Verstappen has some good memories of the Chinese Grand Prix, despite having to retire from the race with just a few laps to go last year, and is hoping for a good points haul this weekend:
“I like China, I remember I had some good overtakes there! The first four corners of the circuit, Turns 1 to 4, are a very special part and tricky to get right. Another part of the track that I enjoyed last year was Turn 6… I did a good move there!”
“Another thing I remember from this circuit are the overtakes at Turn 14 – I prepared myself well down the long straight each time and in the end managed to get by from very far!”
“Unfortunately, last year I had a little issue on the main straight with only a few laps to go… And had to retire. I will try not to think about it this year and fight to see the chequered flag in the best possible position.”
Teammate Carlos Sainz also enjoys the Shanghai track and is hoping to achieve a good result this weekend, with a strong points finish that has so far eluded the Spaniard:
“In China you drive down the main straight and arrive to a couple of very long corners, Turns 1, 2, 3 and 4, which actually feel like two corners, not four. It’s quite a special section and it’s where I had my first mistake of the season last year, as I spun. I also remember going side by side with four cars at Turn 6 at the start of the race, which was interesting as its tight there! Turn 7 is only flat in
“Finally, I’d like to mention the massive downhill as you exit the last corner into the main straight. It’s something you don’t realize when watching on TV, but the car bounces off quite a lot there. All in all, an interesting track where I hope to score some good points, something I haven’t been able to do yet this season.”
