Lewis Hamilton says Mercedes will “definitely have a race” with Ferrari on its hands again after Friday practice for the Chinese Grand Prix.
The championship leader topped the times in both Friday sessions, with Kimi Raikkonen second quickest in the afternoon. However, Ferrari was able to match Mercedes’ pace over the long runs in FP2 - similar to its strong showing on Friday in Malaysia - and Hamilton says he sees four potential race winners at this stage.
”It was quite close between us and Ferrari, and Nico [Rosberg] is quite quick as well so I think we definitely have a race like I said we would,” Hamilton said.
“To be honest I don't really how long I went on the tyres but the prime didn't feel so good, but I have to go and analyse and see how we are compared to others. I didn't feel too bad on the option but I'll find out.”
And Hamilton says he hopes Mercedes has more power in hand than Ferrari, with team likely to turn down engines during Friday practice to look after the power units.
“I’m hoping that Mercedes power is better but we’ll see. I don’t really know where it is, I think it’s going to be close but I think we’ve got the power to stay ahead.”
By Chris Medland in Shanghai
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