Free Practice 3 – BMW Makes a Timely Comeback

For the third and final free practice session on the Shanghai circuit, ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, it’s Nick Heidfeld (BMW) who sets the fastest time. The German surpasses the most serious contender for victory on Sunday, Lewis Hamilton, as well as his teammate in the German-Swiss team, the Pole Robert Kubica. The blue and white team claims these top spots in the final seconds of the session: a warning method for the other teams.

Like yesterday, the weather is dry but overcast. It’s pleasant, 23°C in the air, and as usual, Force India are the first to head out as soon as the session opens. The goal is to learn more about the track conditions before heading straight back to the pits.

The first reference time is set by Alonso. The Renaults run a lot at the beginning of the session and battle with Kovalainen and Bourdais during the first 20 minutes. McLaren then let Hamilton debate on track. The young Briton wasn’t comfortable throughout the session as he made a few mistakes. Last year, the Englishman lost his title right at the entrance to the pits, going too wide and stopping in the gravel. This morning, history repeated itself. However, Hamilton was able to maneuver around the gravel trap. He was then at the top of the standings.

In the very last seconds, Heidfeld claimed the best time on soft tires. He is ahead of Hamilton and Kubica. The BMW driver did not seem comfortable on the track yesterday and is once again outpaced by his teammate.

The 4th fastest time is achieved by the second McLaren, Kovalainen’s, just ahead of Jarno Trulli’s Toyota. The Italian is in good form this weekend and wants to be in the top 6 in qualifying this afternoon. The other Toyota, driven by Glock, is only 17th, six-tenths behind his teammate.

The Williams team showed a threatening stance with both drivers. Rosberg indeed secured the 6th fastest time. His teammate, Kazuki Nakajima, is 9th.

Nelson Piquet, in the first Renault, concludes the top 10. The young Brazilian seems more motivated than ever after his 4th place in Japan last week. This morning, he is significantly ahead of his teammate, the double world champion. Alonso is only 16th, nearly a second behind the leader.

Ferrari are not at their best either. Massa and Räikkönen remained in the middle of the pack throughout the session, whether on soft or hard tires. They are in 12th and 13th positions respectively.

The French driver, Sébastien Bourdais, has a great session. He sets the 7th fastest time and currently outpaces his teammate Sebastian Vettel by three-tenths. A good sign for qualifying this afternoon (8 AM in France).

Also noteworthy is the good time by Rubens Barrichello, who places his Honda 11th. His teammate is 15th. The Force India team concludes the rankings, with Sutil well ahead of Fisichella.

Finally, Mark Webber set the 18th fastest time. The Australian encountered a major problem after 45 minutes of the session, stopping in a cloud of smoke. The Renault engine is said to be the cause of the incident. He completed only 12 laps and will likely have to change his engine, resulting in a 10-place grid penalty for tomorrow’s race.

Free Practice 3 Results – Chinese GP – Saturday, October 18, 2008