China preview quotes: McLaren

"The final hairpin, turn 14, at the end of the back straight is probably the most obvious overtaking opportunity. You can get into a slipstream, as speeds reach nearly 330km/h, and the go for position under braking as you drop down to around 85km/h.

"Turn four is also pretty important, as you need to take quite a precise line through turn five, which is very long to be quick. So far in China I have finished in third and second and my aim for this year is to take the top step of the podium with Team McLaren Mercedes!"

Pedro de la Rosa: "Since the Italian Grand Prix three weeks ago, we tested at Silverstone for two days. My programme with the team focused on Michelin tyres for Shanghai and Japan, alongside set-up for both races, it was a good session. I am now really looking forward to getting back to driving in Shanghai.

"I drove there last year on Friday with the team, and really enjoyed the track. It is the kind of circuit that you understand really quickly, so can start pushing to the limits right away. I completed 50 laps last year, so I have some good experience of the track and can't wait to race on it.

"The track has some pretty fast straights, and our set-up with the adequate downforce is low enough to ensure we are quick along them."

Martin Whitmarsh, CEO Formula One: "During the three week gap since the Italian Grand Prix at the start of September, the team has been out on track at Silverstone with Pedro and Lewis Hamilton working through preparations for the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix.

"It was a productive couple of days and although we are arriving in China in a different position to last year when we were battling for the Championship, we are going to fight as hard for the victory. The two races at the Shanghai track to date have both seen some very close and exciting battles and Team McLaren Mercedes would like to continue this trend.

"The car felt strong in Monza, the performance had increased and there was some positive work completed at the Silverstone test. It is going to be hard however, the Shanghai International Circuit is a tough track, but we will push to the maximum."

Norbert Haug, Vice President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: "Not only is China one of the most important markets for automobiles worldwide; the Grand Prix there is also of great importance to us, because DaimlerChrysler has been manufacturing models of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class in China since December 2005.

"In addition, we have launched a new plant there 11 days ago, which is able to produce up to 25,000 Mercedes-Benz E- and C-Class cars per year. Within a competitive environment, we want to present ourselves positively to the interested Chinese spectators and TV viewers.

"Therefore, we have intensely prepared ourselves for the third-to-last World Championship race of the season. The circuit, with its two long straights and both very fast and slow corners; is demanding for brakes and engines. More than 70 percent of the almost 5.5km lap will be run under full throttle.

"Two years ago, in the Chinese Grand Prix debut, Kimi was third and 1.5sec behind the winner, in 2005, he finished second four seconds behind."