BAR pushes forward for China

The team is currently three points ahead of rivals Renault after it leapt ahead of the Anglo-French team at the Italian Grand Prix last week. BAR knows it will be a tough battle to hang on to the runners-up slot, but technical director Geoff Willis is confident the team will fare strongly at Shanghai, despite it being a new circuit on the calendar.

"We expect to be competitive with new aero parts and engine developments, but we'll have to work hard to keep second spot in the last three races," he said. "As we are going to a brand new circuit, we will be relying on our simulation tools to help us prepare the car before we run next Friday.

"The main track feature is the length of the corners, particularly turn one. In terms of corner and braking characteristics, the circuit is quite similar to the Nurburgring, but with a very long back straight, and it looks as though it will be tough on engines."

Team boss David Richards has targeted a podium spot to ensure the team stay ahead of Renault. "Having moved ahead of Renault to take second place in the constructors' championship, the remaining three races will present a fierce challenge between us for that final runner-up position," he said.

"A new circuit represents a substantial but exciting challenge and one which the team faced earlier in the year in Bahrain. We left there with a podium finish and that is our clear objective for next weekend."