What To Watch For In This Weekend's Chinese Grand Prix

With the Australian Grand Prix now a speck on the rear view mirror, the Formula 1 spotlight shines on China for this weekend's race in Shanghai.

Here's what to look for when the lights go green at 4PM on Sunday afternoon (AEST).

A Ferrari (Or Two) Fighting At The Front...

Riding high after his surprise win in Melbourne, Sebastian Vettel will no doubt be looking to see where he can finish in his fast red car in Shanghai.

And fast it is, Mercedes were clearly caught unaware at Albert Park.

The last time Ferrari have had back-to-back wins was in 2010, but don't be surprised if tyres and strategy see the team come up with the goods again on Sunday night.

What's That Coming Up Behind You?

Passing. It was sadly lacking in Melbourne and the naysayers will have you thinking this year's action will be a snore fest in the incredibly fast cars that are bloody hard to overtake.

Allow Shanghai to step in with the season's longest straight (1.17km) and some more turns that'll provide ample overtaking options for the drivers.

McLaren, Where Art Thou?

While the McLaren's stand out in their new bright orange paint jobs, the simple fact of the matter is they'll be badly exposed in China.

Fernando Alonso used sheer talent and a bit of luck to drag the team into the points in Australia before having to park it.

But the Honda's speed deficit on the straights of Shanghai will be anything but kind to the team from Woking.

Charging Bulls...

Daniel Ricciardo couldn't put his disappointing home grand prix behind him quick enough after the Aussie crashed in qualifying before retiring halfway through the race.

Fifth was as good as it got for team-mate Max Verstappen in the race but the Red Bull team are quietly confident of getting up to speed.

China will be crucial to how their package performs through the European summer.

Practice begins at 12pm Friday (AEST).