Welcome to China

Source: lotusf1team.com

After the heat and humidity of Malaysia, our next port of call is one of the most vast and populous nations on earth; China. This is truly a country of extremes, with the densely populated cities standing in stark contrast to the isolated mountain-top villages.

China’s transformation from rural nation to industrialised superpower over the past few decades has been one of the most remarkable movements in recent history, and the spectacular Shanghai International Circuit stands as a symbol of the country’s continuing rise to global prominence.

The thirteen hour flight from London Heathrow to Shanghai Pudong International Airport went off without a hitch; a welcome surprise after the trials and tribulations of Malaysia. Speaking of surprises, a few team members were somewhat taken aback by the crowd of fans waiting in the arrivals area, where a slightly bemused Press Officer in particular seemed unsure how to respond when asked for his autograph!

On arrival at the hotel it was clear that some team members had managed to cope with the jet lag better than others, with a few rather tired looking faces ambling zombie-like around the grounds of the highly welcoming accommodation chosen for the week. Despite this, all were present and accounted for (physically if not necessarily mentally!)

Having arrived over the weekend, the support crew and mechanics spent Tuesday at the circuit setting up the team facilities, while the later arrivals had the chance to catch up on e-mails and get some rest in before the action really begins later in the week.

Wednesday has followed a similar pattern, with the mechanics now busy preparing the E20s for their first fire-up tomorrow. Meanwhile, the drivers have been pacing the Shanghai International Circuit to get their bearings before hitting the track for real on Friday – a particularly important stretching of the legs for Romain, who will be making his first visit to the venue this week.

With all running smoothly on one side of the team, the marketing team by contrast had an eventful start to the morning as the local driver took their hotel departure time of 08:30 as a precise requirement, duly heading off to the circuit with an empty van, and leaving a baffled crew (who had arrived moments later) in his wake!

Thursday is when the paddock starts to come to life, with media appearances and partner events scheduled for the drivers and senior management, including the official autograph sessions with Kimi and Romain. Tyre meetings are also on the agenda, with all drivers invited to attend the session and discover more about what can be expected from the different compounds this weekend.

In the meantime of course, the mechanics will be working flat out to ensure both cars are ready to burst out of the garage early on Friday morning when the on-track action gets underway for Free Practice 1.