China preview quotes: McLaren

"We are all focused on this aim and giving the maximum over the next few weeks. I like to race at the Shanghai circuit, it is new but it has character, although I have mixed memories from the track. Last year was a frustrating race, whereas in 2005 I won. I hope to repeat this result this weekend!

"The track is very wide and has been designed to allow overtaking. Slipstreaming along the main back straight and then passing into the first corner is one of the main chances. You have to make sure you have as much momentum as possible when you exit turn 13, so mechanical grip is as important as making sure we have a competitive top speed."

Lewis Hamilton: "We are going into these races with a really tight Drivers' battle with only 12 points between me and Fernando. Anything is still possible but I am feeling confident and very determined and I hope we will have another couple of exciting races.

"There has been a lot of talk over the last couple of days about the Championship, but I just push that to the back of my mind. I am only focused on the next two races and doing the best I can in China and Brazil with the team.

"The last two races of this season are at tracks that I have not ever been to before. I don't see that as a problem, as this has been the case on four occasions already this season, at Melbourne, Montreal, Indy and Fuji and I was on the podium at all these races.

"From what I understand of the Shanghai circuit, it is very vast in comparison with Interlagos, so we will probably have two quite different races. Everything is too tight for me to predict what will happen, but the races in China always seem to be exciting and I feel well prepared to take on the challenge."

Martin Whitmarsh, CEO Formula 1, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes: "To have both Lewis and Fernando going into the final two races of the season with an opportunity to win the World Championship is a fantastic situation for the team. Whilst Lewis is clearly in a stronger position, it is by no means over for Fernando and we are going to have two very motivated drivers in China.

"Japan was the first race where two Vodafone McLaren Mercedes cars did not take the chequered flag. This demonstrates the competitiveness of the team this season, and we aim to maintain that level of performance this weekend in China."

Norbert Haug, Vice President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: "The Chinese Grand Prix has a lot of challenging aspects for the team. In Shanghai, Lewis will be able to win the World Championship; however, on the other side if he can produce the appropriate result Fernando will be able to reverse the situation and to keep his title hopes alive until the final race in Brazil.

"Of course, we always have to watch out for Kimi who still has the chance to clinch the World Championship title. The team members will go into this possibly decisive Grand Prix as focussed as into the previous 15 races, and they will do everything to ensure both Lewis and Fernando will have the best opportunities to win.

"Prior to the 16th Grand Prix of the year the World Championship is still exciting and open, although Lewis now has a significant advantage after he won in Fuji last weekend whilst Fernando retired. Both the drivers will have the same equipment and support; we obviously hope that the Formula 1 World Championship will be decided on the track under the same conditions - tough, fair and without crashes."