2017 Chinese Grand Prix – Friday Practice
So far, China has been tricky – bringing us contrasting weather conditions compared to Australia! Heavy fog and lots of rain!
There was almost no running during the first practice session, ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix this weekend, and due to the weather conditions the medical helicopter was unable to operate resulting in NO running for FP2.
After FP2 was cancelled, Lewis Hamilton called for the race to start later than scheduled on Sunday – after a meeting, the race will remain as scheduled.
See what the drivers and teams had to say today!
Red Bull Racing – 2017 Chinese Grand Prix – Fridy Practice
Daniel Ricciardo
“It’s a shame for the fans who turned up to support us but at the same time, safety comes first.”
“It’s pretty frustrating that FP2 is over and we didn’t get to drive but at least we managed a handful of laps this morning.”
“It’s a shame for use drivers but also a shame for the fans who have turned up to support us. At the same time, I understand what happened and I do support the fact that safety comes first.”
“The track conditions were fine but if someone was to have an accident and the helicopter couldn’t airlift them to hospital – then it would be a major issue.”
“The weather is forecast to look a bit better tomorrow so hopefully we will be able to drive and get some practice ahead of the race on Sunday.”
“If it does rain on Sunday, the exciting part is that none of us have really done any wet driving yet which will create a more open playing field and potentially a very interesting race.”
“I’m definitely ready to stop talking and start driving.”
Max Verstappen
“The balance seemed good……the forecast is looking better for tomorrow so at least we can get some laps.”
“The weather played a big part today meaning that I managed just two timed laps – I did however top the time sheets so that was a nice positive.”
“We haven’t been able to test anything on the car since Australia and it’s unfortunate that due to the delays today we just didn’t get the running time we had hoped for.”
“I understand the reasons behind not running, the weather simply meant that the helicopter couldn’t fly and that is integral to our safety in case of an accident.”
“The balance of the car seemed quite good in the wet but I think Ferrari and Mercedes weren’t really running so we do’t have a competitive comparison yet.”
“I think the forecast for tomorrow is looking better so at least we can get some laps to try a few new things heading into qualifying – for now, the most important thing is laps and the more, the better.”
Sauber – 2017 Chinese Grand Prix – Friday Practice
Antonio Giovinazzi
“Unfortunately, there was almost no running today so we could not work through our planned programme. That was the same for everyone.”
“I hope this will change tomorrow so that we can have some track time before going into qualifying.”
Marcus Ericsson
“We were only able to run a couple of laps in FP1 under the virtual safety car. It’s disappointing for all of us and for the fans.”
“Hopefully the weather conditions will be better for the rest of the weekend so that we can put on a good show.”
McLaren – 2017 Chinese Grand Prix – Friday Practice
Fernando Alonso
“I know the tyres, I know the car – I have all the data on my hard disk already!
“It’s good to see the fans in the grandstands and how much they enjoy Formula 1 – it’s a shame that we didn’t put any laps in for them in FP2 and very few in FP1”
“Hopefully, we can give them a good show tomorrow and Sunday.”
“I know this track well, I know the tyres, I know the car so I don’t mind going straight into qualifying – should we need wet or dry tyres, I have all the data on my hard disk already!”
Stoffel Vandoorne
“The weather conditions will be better, we’ll be able to get some running…”
“Well, it wasn’t a very exciting day for any of us – nobody wants to wait in the car or hang about in the garage so it’s a shame!”
“I only got one run in FP1 today and in wet conditions – there will be a lot for me to catch up with tomorrow and hopefully, the weather conditions will be better and we’ll be able to get some decent running.”
“It’s true that we have some new bits on the car and we would’ve preferred to spend more time on the track to evaluate them but it’s the same for everyone.”
“From my side, for sure, it’s the first time I’ve driven here so catching up will be one of our key tasks tomorrow and we’ll try to make the best of it.”
Sahara Force India – 2017 Chinese Grand Prix – Friday Practice
Sergio Perez
“I am positive….I hope we can come away with a strong result.”
“It’s always frustrating when you cannot do any running because it’s a lost chance to prepare for the weekend.”
“It’s also a shame for the fans – the grandstands had a good crowd and they have been so supportive throughout the day.”
“The hope is that the rest of the weekend will give them something to cheer about – missing all today’s running is a challenge, not just for tomorrow but also for Sunday because FP3 is a very short session to recover all the lost ground.”
“I am still positive about our weekend, I think today’s lack of running can turn into an opportunity for us and I hope that we can benefit from it and come away with a strong result.”
Esteban Ocon
“It was useful being in the car, I would have preferred to do a lot more running.”
“With just two out-laps to my name, I didn’t really learn very much today – it was useful being in the car because I was able to get used to the various challenges and the elevations on tracks.”
“I also got to try the intermediate tyre but of course – I would have preferred to do a lot more running.”
“Tomorrow looks like it will be a very busy day – especially FP3, so let’s hope that the conditions are better and we can get on with our programme.”
“I hope the fans are not too disappointed by today’s lack of action but hopefully they will come back to watch and be rewarded by an exciting race on Sunday.”
Here are some photos from Friday Practice.
Hope you all enjoyed these photos!
There’s lots more coming soon!
xx
Most of the images featured are from Kym Illman, some images have also been provided from the teams.
great post f1 girl! really like the style of everything. photos are great to see too.
Author
Thanks Shauny! 🙂