Daniel Ricciardo says Shanghai International Circuit, which hosts next weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix, is a ‘technical’ track where tyre management is a crucial performance factor.
The Red Bull driver is coming off a frustrating race in Malaysia, as he experienced front brake issues throughout the event and had to settle for a 10th place finish, a lap down from the race-winning Ferrari of former team-mate Sebastian Vettel.
And to add insult to injury, both RB11s crossed the line behind the sister Toro Rosso STR10s, which use the same Renault power unit.
Although engine power is essential in China – the track features one of the longest straight on the F1 calendar –, Ricciardo feels tyre management is equally vital around the 3.387-mile circuit.
“I’d call (the layout) ‘technical’. Turns One, Two and Three are all very long and technical,” said the three-time grand prix winner.“I don’t think there’s any other corner like it on the calendar. And it’s very, very aggressive on the front tyres.
“It’s pretty extreme – but I’d still prefer it to the scenario with a tyre that takes three laps to come in. The fact it comes in straight away is awesome. In qualifying, you drive the out-lap like your grandma, desperately trying to not kill it before the flying lap starts.”
Formula One’s official tyre supplier Pirelli revealed at the start of the season that it would bring its yellow-walled soft rubber and white-sided medium compound to China. The Milan-based company justified its decision by calling it “the best choice for the comparatively high degradation expected as a result of the demanding track layout”.
Last year's Chinese Grand Prix saw Ricciardo qualify a stunning second in wet conditions before securing a solid fourth on race day.
Click here for a more lighthearted look at some of the scenes from the Malaysian Grand Prix
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