One of the most stunning Formula One circuits of modern era, the Shanghai International Circuit is set to host the second GP on the calendar year 2017 – Chinese Grand Prix, starting Friday.

The season opener Australian Grand Prix witnessed German driver Sebastian Vettel reviving Ferrari back to winning ways. Vettel clinched the title, while Mercedes’ duo of Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas finished second and third respectively in Melbourne.

Mercedes have always dominated the Chinese Grand Prix as they have taken pole position consecutively since 2012. Also, Hamilton has been the most successful driver here with four wins and seven podiums.

Keeping all this in view, Mercedes are expected to bounce back after the Australian deficit.

Here are some quick facts of the Chinese Grand Prix 2017 that you need to know.

Technical trivia

The Shanghai International Circuit made its F1 debut in 2004, where Rubens Barrichello of Ferrari was crowned champion.

The circuit is stretched to 5.451 KM and with covering 56 laps of the Chinese Grand Prix, it covers a total distance of 305.066 km.

Debonair driver on circuit

Legendary German driver Michael Schumacher has been the most dashing driver on this circuit with his record timing of 1:32.238 that he clocked in the inaugural season of the Chinese GP.

Clash to watch out for

Lewis Hamilton vs Fernando Alonso

Among the current lot, Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes and Fernando Alonso of McLaren have been the only successful drivers on the track that is known for its high-speed straights and crucial overtaking.

Three-time Formula One champion Hamilton carries four title victories and as many as seven podiums under his name from the Chinese GP.

Alonso, who won two F1 championship titles in 2005 and 2006, clinched the Chinese GP in 2005 and 2013 while driving for Renault and Ferrari respectively.

The Spanish driver is currently facing troubles with his engine as despite starting briskly in the Australian GP, he failed miserably midway and took late retirement due to suspension failure.

No other driver has managed to register a victory more than once here. Therefore, it would be interesting to watch these two drivers putting everything on stake to extend their dominance in Shanghai.

What’s in the venue?

The Shanghai International Circuit is shaped like the Chinese character 'Shang', which symbolises being on top.

The circuit has been designed keeping the modern architecture in perspective and it features the longest straights of the world that stretches to 1.2 km.

With windy turns and remarkable high-speed straights, drivers get decisive overtaking opportunities and F1 fans get the best of unpredictable action.

Weather moods

The race to be held on April 7-9 would witness a rainy weather with an average expected temperature of 16 degree Celsius during the first and second practice on Friday.

However, the spectators may expect a sunny morning on Saturday that might help drivers get an advantage in qualifying race. Nevertheless, the rain god will have the final say on the race day.