The Shanghai International Circuit has hosted every edition of the Chinese Grand Prix. It’s one of the new generation of circuits, designed by Hermann Tilke and is 5.451 kilometres in length. It features a mix of high-speed and right angle corners, as well as some out and out hairpins, which compel the driver to brake hard, increasing the number of passing opportunities. The hardest compromise to get right is the balance between aero downforce and top speed. Going too far either way can end up with the car struggling to stay on track or being too slow down the straights. Tyre wear is also a key factor here. Scuderia Ferrari won the maiden Chinese race, in 2004, courtesy of Rubens Barrichello, obtaining three further victories, with Michael Schumacher, Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso.

Although considered a street circuit, it has little in common with others of that ilk, as there will be no need for road closures, because the layout features permanent facilities located around the Hard Rock Stadium, home to the NFL (National Football League) team, the Miami Dolphins.

36 possible layouts were considered before the final design was approved. It features long straights which should make for good overtaking opportunities, further aided by three DRS zones. As with any new venue there are plenty of unknowns but it is expected to be a low downforce track, similar to the quickest circuits on the calendar, even if it does have a very tight section from turns 11 to 16.