Hamilton doubtful of Mercedes repeat win in China
Briton driver cautious in predicting outcome of upcoming race.
Hamilton, who finished third in the Malaysian Grand Prix, carefully avoided predicting a podium finish for Mercedes in the Shanghai race. PHOTO: AFP
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton is unsure of a repetition of the team’s last Chinese Grand Prix win as he prepares for the Shanghai clash this weekend, according to ESPNF1.
Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher started on the front row at Shanghai last year, with the former going on to take a comfortable victory by 20 seconds. However, despite Mercedes making a strong start this season, Hamilton warned that it is unlikely that the team would be able to dominate the way it did in 2012.
“Mercedes were in a unique situation at the track last year and got everything right,” said Hamilton. “The tyres are different this year so you have to anticipate that it’s going to be a little bit different there for us. If the car works well there and we get a similar result it’ll be amazing.”
Massa shows faith in car
Meanwhile, Brazilian Felipe Massa believes Ferrari’s 2013 car is capable of more satisfactory results than what the team has been able to show so far this season.
“I know we have only done two races, but I have a good feeling so far this season,” said Massa.
“The work we did with the F138 over the winter has taken us in the right direction and the car has much more potential.
“Of course, I always want to be fighting for the win, although that did not work out in the first two races, but the signs were good with an excellent race pace and now we have to keep moving forward race by race.”
Published in The Express Tribune, April 10th, 2013.
Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher started on the front row at Shanghai last year, with the former going on to take a comfortable victory by 20 seconds. However, despite Mercedes making a strong start this season, Hamilton warned that it is unlikely that the team would be able to dominate the way it did in 2012.
“Mercedes were in a unique situation at the track last year and got everything right,” said Hamilton. “The tyres are different this year so you have to anticipate that it’s going to be a little bit different there for us. If the car works well there and we get a similar result it’ll be amazing.”
Massa shows faith in car
Meanwhile, Brazilian Felipe Massa believes Ferrari’s 2013 car is capable of more satisfactory results than what the team has been able to show so far this season.
“I know we have only done two races, but I have a good feeling so far this season,” said Massa.
“The work we did with the F138 over the winter has taken us in the right direction and the car has much more potential.
“Of course, I always want to be fighting for the win, although that did not work out in the first two races, but the signs were good with an excellent race pace and now we have to keep moving forward race by race.”
Published in The Express Tribune, April 10th, 2013.