Technical updates: Chinese GP

There are only a few minor upgrades introduced at this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix as teams tackle a long-distance pair of back-to-back races.

One week after the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, the second race in Shanghai is again a long way from the respective factories of each team. Bringing new parts also needs to factor in customs clearance time, with four teams -- McLaren, Red Bull, Mercedes and Aston Martin -- being given free exemptions for breaking the curfew overnight due to the late arrival of freight.

As a result, it’s unsurprising that only four teams have submitted new components to the FIA, of which McLaren is one with a new rear brake duct winglet that improves aerodynamic performance.

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At Racing Bulls, two new parts have been made available for the specific circuit demands in China. An additional gurney flap on the front wing and a two-element beam wing both can provided added downforce at higher-downforce venues if required.

Williams follows a similar approach with a larger rear beam wing, the team explaining: “The new beam wing options, which have a larger area than the previous version simply generate more load and drag from rear wing assembly. This gives an efficient increase in load at medium-high downforce circuits.”

After a point-scoring start to the season in Australia, Stake has a new engine cover for the second race. The team says it is a test item that “has a potentially positive effect to the flow field around the bodywork surfaces, improving both overall downforce of the car and the aero efficiency.”