The great return of the Chinese Grand Prix is already keeping its promises. On a soggy Shanghai track, qualifying for the sprint race held its share of twists and turns. In complicated weather conditions, it was Lando Norris (McLaren) who did the best by taking pole position ahead of Lewis Hamilton. The Mercedes driver once held the fastest time before Norris's time, first canceled for exceeding track limits, was reinstated by the race stewards.
On the second row, Fernando Alonso took third place just ahead of Max Verstappen (+2'088), less comfortable than usual in the rain. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) completes the Top 5 ahead of Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc, disappointing 7th and spinning out. The nice surprise came from Guanyu Zhou, first Chinese to participate in the Chinese GP and 10th on the starting grid tomorrow. Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon once again occupy the back of the grid in 16th and 17th place.
The start of the sprint race is scheduled for this Saturday at 5 a.m. French time. A little over 100 km long, covered in around thirty minutes, this race offers championship points: from eight points for the first to one point for the 8th. Qualifying for the Sunday Grand Prix will take place immediately around 9 a.m. The Shanghai GP will start this Sunday at 9 a.m.