Zhou gets them revved up in Shanghai
The Shanghai International Circuit lit up a couple of times today, both literally and metaphorically.
Both of today's sessions were interrupted when small fires erupted in the grass at the side of the track, ignited by sparks from the cars as they rode over the kerbs, a very unusual occurrence which hasn't been fully explained for now.
There was a different sort of enthusiasm that ignited the crowds in the grandstands, packed as never before on a Friday in Shanghai, every time local hero Guanyu Zhou came out on track. The Sauber driver – yes, with all due respect to current sponsors Kick and Stake, it's easier to use the Swiss team's original name – gave his fans plenty to cheer about with a brilliant showing in Sprint Qualifying that saw him get through to Q3 although eventually he was tenth and last. Nevertheless, it was his first Q3 appearance of the year.
It's a special week for Zhou, who finally gets to race in Formula 1 on home soil, as the last time the Chinese GP was on the calendar was five years ago, before the Shanghai-born youngster was racing in the blue riband category: the last time he raced here, in 2019, he was in the minor categories.
In fact, just a few days ago, a documentary produced by Shanghai Media Group, called “The First One” was released, covering the life and career of the 24 year old, born in the city that first hosted a Chinese Grand Prix back in 2004. It's proof not only of just how popular he is at home, but also how important the promotion of his image has been in popularising Formula 1 in the most populous country on earth.
The Chinese government regards major sporting events as part of its strategy to increase tourism both internal and from abroad, in the country's most important regions and getting Formula 1 back here following the repercussions of the Covid pandemic is seen as an opportunity not to be missed. The Zhou effect seems to be working given that the Grand Prix is a sell-out, something which has not happened since the very first years of the event. After such a positive Friday, what can the local man expect for the rest of the weekend? It's hard to say as Sauber is usually fighting in the lower half of the field, the one that's always waiting for one of the “top teams” to slip up in order to pick up a few points.
However, here in Shanghai everyone gets two chances and the Swiss team, currently in the process of mutating into a German outfit with Audi have acquired all its shares, can at least give it a try, given that Valtteri Bottas qualified for the sprint in ninth spot, one place ahead of his team-mate. If Zhou can score points it would be a triumph.
