The Formula One World championship moved into Shanghai today with Felipe Massa looking to cement his marginal lead in the championship.
The faced Brazilian hasn’t won a race yet but leads team-mate Fernando Alonso and Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel having taken two podiums and 39 points. Vettel will be hoping he can build on his lightning pace so far after taking a well-deserved and long overdue win in Malaysia two weeks ago.
First practice saw reigning world champion Jenson Button topping the timing sheets with Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton close behind. Fernando Alonso’s engine blow up was followed by a horrifying crash for Toro Rosso driver Sebastien Buemi as he speared into the barriers after both front wheels flew off.
Coventry University students will be granted backstage access to the grand prix courtesy of Sauber with Alex Kersten and John O’Brien watching qualifying and Jason Craig and Victoria Howe attending on race day.
Jason Craig said: “The prospect of being in the thick of the action during race day on Sunday promises to be something very special indeed. I could never imagine that my first taste of the competition would see me reporting from the very innards of the sport and it will be the perfect opportunity to make new contacts.”