Preview: 2013 Chinese Grand Prix

After the absolute farce created by Sebastian Vettel last time round, we need a good race to at least ease the pain of Twat-Gate and start to make it a distant memory. Child-like Vettel leads the drivers championship from Kimi Raikkonen, who will be one of many looking to forget Malaysia.

Part of the Formula 1 calendar since 2004, Herman Tilke produced another track where large run off areas fail to punish mistakes, but like the Sepang circuit, I like it. The long sweeping turns 1 and 2 into 3 are quite unique and have often produced some great memories off the line. The 5.5km circuit consists of 16 corners with a signature 1170m long straight which will host the DRS zone for this circuit. The second DRS zone (not displayed) will be on the pit straight according to ESPN.

Pirelli are bringing their medium and soft compound tyres, however going by the first two races, I think rain will play its part at some point during the weekend. I also doubt we won't see a dry race until Bahrain. Downforce, tyre wear and brake demand are low-medium meaning all out speed may not be enough, strategy will play an even huger part this weekend. Maybe a 3 stop would be the most beneficial?

Last year was the first surprise of the season when Nico Rosberg managed to grab pole position and his first win. The result shocked many, but Mercedes will be looking for the same feat to be achieved this time around. That's why I'm predicting that Lewis Hamilton will get his first win in a Mercedes factory car. I would LOVE to see Nico getting it over him, but this is his chance.

I don't like swearing in my blogs, but Sebastian Vettel really is a dick.

He'll face some strong opposition from rival drivers looking for improvements. Fernando Alonso needs to fight harder than ever at the start of a season unless he wants a mountain to climb later. No more silly decisions by the team please guys. He's not the only one. As a die-hard Kimi fan, Malaysia was the worst I've seen him in a Lotus car. A massive fall from grace will not be aided by the fact that he finished pointless here last season (albeit that was the only time). On the flip side, Romain Grosjean had a fantastic previous round, and I'm really hoping this is a sign of things to come. His patience will lead to that first win!

Felipe Massa has been on some terrific form of late, and I am quickly becoming a Massa fan, so long may it continue because it could open up opportunities for him at Ferrari. The same can't be said for his McLaren rivals. Jenson Button and Sergio Perez really have been caught out in the right place in the wrong time. McLaren may talk a big recovery game, but the only thing I can say is, pack it in and focus on next year guys.

For qualifying I expect the Mercedes cars to be up there, but only a fool would still bet against Adrian Newey's puppet getting pole. My favourite combination is a wet qualifying session followed by a dry race, but considering the Bull's have quick wet pace now, I'm not sure that's what I want. Hopefully the rain will stay away, but prepare for the worst.

In terms of review coverage, I hope to bring you an immediate qualifying report considering it's live on BBC (THANK CHRIST) but as for the race I am working, so expect it very late on, even on Monday.

As usual though you can keep up to date with everything F1 by checking out Let's Talk F1.