Conditions are predicted to be only slightly overcast for this weekend’s 2014 Formula One Chinese Grand Prix taking place at the Shanghai International Circuit. We may still see some rain during tomorrow’s qualifying session, but things are expected to remain dry during Sunday's race.

The predicted top temperature for Sunday is a mild 68 degrees F (20 degrees C), while humidity is expected to come in at a relatively high 70 percent. Track conditions have been good so far, though ambient temperatures have tended to vary somewhat. The weather can be quite unpredictable in Shanghai, so teams will need to be wary of this.

The Shanghai International Circuit’s track surface is also very bumpy and tends to change year on year, so the mechanical setup has to circumnavigate any issues that the surface may hold. The surface can also be quite hard on tires, so that could prove a challenge for teams as well. Pirelli has nominated its P Zero White medium and P Zero Yellow soft tires, the same combination used for the last several races in Shanghai.

The practice sessions earlier today didn’t see too many issues, though Mercedes AMG driver Lewis Hamilton had some delays because of suspension trouble. A fix later saw the Briton post the fastest lap of the day. Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso was second fastest, with fellow Mercedes AMG driver Nico Rosberg the third fastest.

Few drivers are expected to really challenge the Mercedes AMG duo in tomorrow’s grid deciding session, unless the weather throws a curve ball. Going into the session, Nico Rosberg maintains the lead in the Drivers’ Championship with 61 points, followed by Lewis Hamilton in second with 50 points and Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg in third with 28 points. In the Constructors’ Championship, Mercedes AMG is the clear leader with 111 points versus the 44 points of Force India and the 43 points of McLaren.

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