The Chinese Grand Prix returns to the Formula 1 calendar for the first time since 2019 and Martin Brundle has shared one concern every team on the grid might have when they reach Shanghai.
Lewis Hamilton won the last race five years ago, while Red Bull Racing will be hoping to add to their two victories at the track.
Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 Podcast, Martin Brundle shared the challenges that will face the paddock next Sunday.
Martin Brundle talks about the challenges of the Chinese Grand Prix
Covid brought an end to 16 consecutive years of racing in China after the first Grand Prix was won by Rubens Barrichello for Ferrari back in 2004.
Plenty of current drivers have never raced at the circuit, while Zhou Guanyu finally gets the opportunity to race at his home Grand Prix in his third season in the sport.
Preparations for the race won’t be easy as Shanghai also hosts the first Sprint Race of the season.
The format has changed this season, making it more difficult to acclimatise to the track.
Drivers will only have one hour-long practice session before taking part in qualifying for the Sprint Race.
The Sprint will then be the first session on Saturday before qualifying for the Grand Prix takes place that afternoon.
Martin Brundle has outlined another challenge facing teams at the Chinese Grand Prix.
It’s too early to know how much of an impact it will have, but have notoriously caused issues in the past.
Outside factors could play their part during the Chinese GP
Previewing the race, Brundle said: “The weather conditions there could be challenging and I love that long back straight.
“There’s a good series of corners which tees them up nicely as well, so I’m pleased to see Formula 1 back there.”
Talking about the new track surface in China, Brundle said: “That’s about the oils that come out from a new surface and they just sat on top in Istanbul and got mixed up with some water and turned into the equivalent of ice really and the drivers were lap after lap after lap before they could get any grip, it made for a fascinating Grand Prix.
“I don’t know the details of the surface in Shanghai, to be honest or exactly how long it’s been down but there’s no doubt about it, F1 cars do burn a racing line quite quickly into a surface as long as they get enough dry laps on it.”
Rain has impacted the Chinese Grand Prix in the past
Given their five-year wait to host another race, plenty of measures have been put in place to make sure the event runs as smoothly as possible.
As Brundle suggests, if a new surface has been laid for the Chinese Grand Prix, it shouldn’t have a huge impact on the race, however, if it takes longer than expected to bed in then there could be an extra layer of jeopardy during the Sprint.
Weather has played its part in China before, with Jenson Button describing the conditions during the 2009 Grand Prix as ‘scary’.
He finished on the podium that day behind Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber on his way to winning his only world championship.
Alex Albon had a huge shunt during the last race weekend at the circuit back in 2019 and will want to avoid a third race on the bounce where he’s found the barriers.
Every driver will also want to avoid the fate of Sebastien Buemi’s Toro Rosso back in 2010 where his wheels spectacularly flew off his car heading into the first corner.
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