The battle for constructors’ honours hots up

One certainty is that after six seasons of domination, Ferrari will not be popping the champagne corks, having to settle for third.

“Unfortunately after six wins in the constructors’ championship and five drivers’ championships with Michael (Schumacher) it makes little difference whether you finish third or fourth in the championship,” said Ferrari boss Jean Todt.

Alonso sealed the drivers title in Brazil when he put himself out of Raikkonen’s reach, but knows he still has work to do.

“Shanghai is a special type of circuit, and quite different to Japan. But we have a new engine there, so I think we can be maybe a bit closer,” he said.

“I quite enjoy the circuit, it has some challenging corners and for sure, the new car will be better there than our car was last year. I am going there to help win a championship.”

Team boss Flavio Briatore said the race in China was crucial. “We have one race left, we are leading the constructors’ championship again and there is a new engine upgrade to come in China. There is everything still to play for there.”

McLaren chief executive Martin Whitmarsh though is convinced his team has done enough to win.

“Team McLaren Mercedes is determined to leave China as world champions and we will fight hard as a team towards this aim,” he said.

“The work put in across the team has been phenomenal, we have done what we can and now we will have to wait and see what happens.”

Shanghai will also be remembered as Barrichello’s last drive for Ferrari, where he has been Schumacher’s reluctant sidekick for six years.