Chinese GP – The moments in its short history

I visited all the Chinese GPs between 2004 and 2007 and all of them produced some interesting moments. Here is the selection (including the 2008 Chinese GP that I skipped):

2004

Jacques Villeneueve returned to F1 with Renault in Shanghai 2004

- That weekend Ford announced pull-out from F1, a move that affected Jaguar team (owned by Ford) as well as Minardi and Jordan, both powered by Ford-Cosworth engines.
- Jacques Villeneuve returned to F1 with Renault (replacing sacked Jarno Trulli)
- The current Brawn GP team mates finished on the podium
- In that season rare pointless finish for Michael Schumacher
- The (to-date) last F1 race win for Rubens Barrichello

2005

Narain Karthikeyan's Jordan after his massive crash in 2005

- It was the last race of the season and last race for Jordan, Minardi, Sauber and BAR (all sold or renamed in 2006)
- Michael Schumacher collided with Christijan Albers during the warm up lap
- Juan Pablo Montoya hit the loose manhole cover (safety car followed)
- Narain Karthikeyan last F1 race ended with massive crash in Turn 13

2006

Michael Schumacher last F1 win, Shanghai 2006

- This was the first wet Chinese GP
- This was the first Chinese GP point and podium finish as well as the last F1 win for Michael Schumacher

2007

Lewis Hamilton walks away from his beached McLaren

- This was the second wet Chinese GP weekend in a row, this time caused by approaching typhoon
- It was also the second wet race in a row, following the Japanese GP at Fuji
- Kazuki Nakajima took over Friday duties for Williams from Alex Wurz, Wurz later that weekend announced that he will retire from F1 racing after the Chinese GP
- Championship leader Lewis Hamilton could clinch the drivers title in that race, instead he beached the car at the pit lane entry and retired for the first time in his F1 career.
- Toro Rosso scored their first ever F1 points

And for the record also 2008

2008 Podium, Hamilton extended his lead before the final race of the season

- Lewis Hamilton’s last F1 race to-date, he extended his championship lead by 2 points before the final race of the season
- The team play between out of the title race Raikkonen and title contender Massa when Raikkonen handed his 2nd place to Massa, some called it team orders, some simply common sense.

Photos: F1Wolf, Renault/LAT, Shell Motorsports