The third race of the season came just a week after the second, and the short trip from Malaysia to China was made by the 12 teams. And what a race weekend we had.
Practice went as normal, with the pace being set by Red Bull, and in particular, as ever, Sebastian Vettel. The qualifying went pretty much the same way.
Other than the small matter of Mark Webber starting in 18th. Yeah I know - I didn't realise either. But big shock to the world of F1, and a massive balls-up on Red Bulls' behalf bearing in mind they sent him out on the harder type. KERS failed again, so something needs to sort that out to stop the other teams gaining on them.
But the race was where it was at. Vettel got a very shabby start, allowing Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton, both the McLarens, to get ahead and stay there. It was a very bizarre turn of events, but it happened, and it took a while for Red Bull to react.
We ahd some other incidents during the race too - notably Jenson Button throwing his lead away in the pit lane, having stopped in the wrong bloody garage. How do you do that?! Different team, different faces, different colours - you practice it in the off-season, and then do that! Remarkable.
Both Mercedes had great drives - Nico Rosberg finished in 5th, which, in his words, was 'horrible', and Michael Schumacher finishing in 9th. Schumi finally seems to be getting back to his best, after a season back in the racing seat. Totally aggressive driving today, lots of pace, and his experience shone through.
Again, both Saubers impressed - Kobayashi gained 10th place and a point, and Sergio Perez, although finishing in 16th, showed how ruthless he can be, with two rather large shunts in three laps in the middle. He gained a drive-through for it, deservedly, but still showed raw potential in his driving.
However, the race did fall flat after a good 30 or so laps, and everything settled down. The battle was between Hamilton and Vettel, which Lewis duly won, but bar that, not too much more took place.
Driver of the day though? Sorry, but it's Mark Webber again. To go from 18th to 17th in 15 laps, and to have picked it up and finish 3rd after 56 laps is quite incredible. He showed how capable he is at the very top of his sport, and proved all those who believe it's 'all about Vettel at Red Bull this season' wrong.
But big shout from Hamilton though. A perfect race, some are calling it. He got the perfect pit stops and tyre choices, he made the perfect overtakes, and used his KERS and DRS to an absolute tee. It was a very special thing to watch.
Ferrari need to work on pace though, and they've now got three weeks to work on that, before Turkey. Likewise with Williams. So much was expected from the two of them this season, and so far, they've not got a lot to show from it. Unlike Force India, however, who have hit expectations, and gone beyond them too. Paul Di Resta looks a very special driver...
At this very early stage in the season, it's still very difficult to tell who will take the titles. But McLaren are getting better and better, whereas Red Bull's reliance on Vettel is being to wain a little. Likewise, Ferrari need to up their game, before Force India, Mercedes, Renault and Sauber suck them up and take them on.
So, until Turkey...
Big thanks to the lovely BBC Sport team for the photos you see that make this page come alive!
Taken from General Musings of an Idiot: http://www.gmoai.com
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