China Preview Quotes: Michelin

Pierre Dupasquier, motorsport director: "It is always challenging to travel to a race with a very limited databank. Like Bahrain earlier this season, Shanghai will highlight the ability of Formula One teams and their suppliers to stage accurate simulation tests and react to them appropriately. The circuit layout looks interesting â€" and some of the slower sections appear very technical. I am confident that we are as well - prepared as it is possible to be and look forward to sampling what promises to be an impressive new facility."

Pascal Vasselon, F1 programme manager: "Given our experience in Bahrain earlier this year, choosing tyres for a previously unknown circuit such as Shanghai might appear quite routine - but that's not the case at all. Certain corners at Shanghai have a unique configuration and two of them - which have an almost snail-like profile when viewed from above - are likely to put a greater load on tyres than anywhere else on the calendar. Generally, we expect the rate of wear to be fairly even left to right and front to rear, which makes things a little bit easier. From what we can see, the track surface looks fairly smooth and non-abrasive - another little difficulty we had to factor in when finalising the best tyre compromise. When you encounter a new circuit like this, with lots of directional changes, it is best to select compounds that have a slightly broader operational spectrum than usual. And to further minimise any risk of error, we will be taking tyres that have previously been used in racing conditions."