'Why China is the Best Grand Prix on the F1 Calendar'

“If you’re lucky you might get a wave from your favourite driver!”

There are plenty of places to watch the racing action around the 5.451 km Shanghai International Circuit, but for Nicole nothing beats a spot on the start-finish straight.

“Grandstand A is my favourite spot to watch the race,” she explains.

“It’s just opposite the pit lane, and people can watch their favourite drivers get in and out of the car and prepare for the race. If you’re lucky enough, fans can get some hellos and waves from the drivers… nothing will be better than this!

“There are also fan areas to enjoy during the race. One is next to grandstand A, and the other is outside of the ticket gate which is near the metro station exit.

“People can buy team merchandise here, play games, meet friends, enjoy food, and sometimes even meet drivers!”

Watching Nico Rosberg Win His First Race

Despite knowing about Formula 1 since she was in primary school, Nicole’s first experience of watching a race came in 2007, when she turned on the TV and watched the French Grand Prix. It was a few years until she was able to attend her first event.

“The first race I watched in Shanghai was back in 2011. I was quite lucky to get a pass for the Drivers’ autograph session and meet the drivers for the first time in my life!

“I also visited the pit lane and saw the real F1 cars that were so close, which made my first experience even more special.

“My favourite Mercedes memory I have at the circuit was in 2012, when I witnessed Nico Rosberg win his first Grand Prix. I also got to meet Sam Bird, the then Mercedes Test driver, for the first time. Nothing was better than this – I love Mercedes!”

Homemade Banners and Merchandise

“It can get quite crowded at the circuit during the race weekend. The fans show their full support to their favourite drivers by wearing lots of merch and making their own flags, banners, and T-shirts, for example. Hundreds, even thousands, of fans who support the same driver also always get together and take group photos, that’s a really spectacular sight.”

Nicole even has photos of her from the 2012 race with fellow Mercedes fans, holding up their homemade banners in support of the team and Nico after his maiden win.

It was an unforgettable weekend for her, and her friends.

One of the best circuits to get to in the world

In contrast to Melbourne last week, which was in the heart of the city centre, the Shanghai International Circuit is a little further out of town. Nevertheless, despite coming from outside of the municipality, Nicole has her commute to the track down to a fine art.

“To be honest, I think the circuit is one of the best in the world for people to easily get to.

“The Metro Line 11 goes directly to the Shanghai Circuit station, and then grandstand A is just a five-minute walk from the station exit.

“I don’t live in Shanghai, so I never drive there as it’s too far away, but Metro Line 11 is the best way for me. It takes me about 70 mins from the train station and two hours from Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

“With this you only need to transfer once at ‘Jiangsu Road’ station to get to the circuit.”

“Bring a raincoat”

Weather can be an unpredictable factor at the Chinese Grand Prix. Last season, we fans were treated to a very wet Sprint Qualifying, and Nicole believes fans should come prepared!

“I think a raincoat, or a windbreaker is necessary,” Nicole suggests when asked what essential every F1 fan should bring to Shanghai.

“The weather is quite changeable at the circuit, especially during March and April, so there’s always unexpected rainfall or wind and it may get cold all of a sudden.

“There’s also plenty of food and drink for the fans to choose from. They not only sell fast food such as burgers but also offer local Chinese food.”

That will hopefully keep you warm!