Shanghai Speed Trap: who is the fastest of them all?

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China's Shanghai International Circuit is exactly considered a power track, but the venue's 1.17km back straight is the longest of the season and to be competitive in the race, a high top-speed is vital.

No surprise therefore to see Ferrari labeled as outright favourites given the sleek virtues of the Scuderia's SF71-H , and even more so after Sebastian Vettel's pole position in qualifying.

Vettel scorches the opposition for pole in chilly Shanghai qualifying

The German was the fastest through Shanghai's speed trap with a top speed of 331.1km/h, but Valtteri Bottas' Mercedes is very close behind.

Lewis Hamilton was several km/h down on his team mate and has almost already conceded defeat to the red camp.

Williams' Lance Stroll and Sergey Sirotkin were the usual suspects among the laggards, but McLaren's typically slow-in-a-straight line MCL33 fared a bit better in China, although the team's overall pace in qualifying was disappointing.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.