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Time to go. I need to give this keyboard some time out. The report for this memorable race is
The post-race forum is currently on the Red Button while there is a replay of the race at 1455 BST on BBC One. The drivers' championship now has Button at the top of it while the impressive Nico Rosberg is second, with Hamilton and Alonso in third. Thanks very much for all your messages this weekend. The wonderful Caroline Cheese makes her F1 return for the Spanish Grand Prix - let's hope the teams get there in time - and I'll be back for Monaco. Until then, I'm going to see if my sons have developed their Spiderman-Lewis Hamilton game, take care. Bye bye.
Stephen Simpson on 606:
"Superb drive by Jenson to win today in what was tricky conditions. I'm delighted Lewis drove an excellent race to finish a very good second. I'm also pleased for Nico Rosberg who's finished on the podium again. The race certainly didn't lack incident."
Lewis Hamilton on his pit-lane incident with Vettel which is currently under investigation:
"As far as I'm concerned I'm OK. The team released me at what they thought was the right time, I got quite a bit of wheelspin when I left and I noticed Sebastian was there and he pushed me a little to the right. But I think it was OK."
djrits on Twitter:
"What a crazy race! We've had three one-two finishes in four races, by three different teams.. the best season in a decade? Oh yes!"
Lots of chat about whether Hamilton will be penalised for early release from the pits and that incident with Vettel in the pit-lane. Eddie Jordan does not believe there is a case to answer though as it was a "racing incident".
Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg (third):
"It is a good result and is a good step again the right direction. I am really comfortable with the team. We had some small upgrades for this race but we have a lot more to come so it is quite promising for us."
moonmonkey0794 on Twitter:
"Just woke up and saw a British one-two. Upon seeing this, I went back to bed and tried to wake up again!"
McLaren's Jenson Button:
"When the safety car came out to clear debris from the track, my heart was in my mouth. This victory is very special, it means a lot. It was a tough race and we made the right call."
Phew, deep breath. That was some race. Apparently that is McLaren's first one-two since Monza in 2007. I've also been asked when was the last British one-two. Not a clue. Any ideas?
Button punches the air as he gets out of the car - the first person to congratulate him is Hamilton. There is a broad smile as Button climbs onto the top of the podium. Anthem time.
Button goes bonkers. "We earned that one," he shouts. I think he's happy.
Great display from Button. That's his second victory of the season and he takes the championship lead. Hamilton is second, then it is Rosberg, Alonso, Kubica, Vettel, Petrov, Webber, Massa and Schumacher.
JENSON BUTTON WINS THE CHINESE GRAND PRIX Lap 56:
Button is cruising, this is his race.
Petrov takes seventh at Turn 13 after Webber slides into Turn 12. Impressive drive from the Russian - this should be his first race finish. Massa tries again to take Schumacher and takes ninth on the approach to Turn 16. Schumacher then runs wide at the same corner. Oh dear.
Massa tries to get around Schumacher at Turn 14 but there is no chance around the outside and the Mercedes man stays ninth. Button's lead is 2.7 seconds.
Hamilton closes the gap to 3.8 seconds. This race is not over yet.
The gap between the two McLarens is 5.0 seconds. Petrov is closing down on seventh-placed Mark Webber. Disappointing day for Red Bull.
Button goes very wide at Turn 14 and Hamilton is 5.3 behind now. Petrov gets around Schumacher on the back straight and is eighth.
Rosberg seems to have seen off the threat of Alonso - that gap is 1.6 seconds.
McLaren tell Hamilton that they are confident the tyres will last to the end of the race. But it is a struggle. Button's lead is 9.9 seconds. Alonso is 1.2 seconds behind Rosberg.
Without wishing to put the Orlo curse on him, Button is strolling - 7.5 seconds is the lead. Kubica is fifth then it is Vettel, Webber, Schumacher, Petrov and Massa.
Hamilton is unable to make any ground on Button and the gap is stretched to 6.2 seconds. Hamilton tells his team that his left front tyre is bald. Rosberg holding firm for now. He's 1.5 seconds ahead of Alonso.
Button extends his lead over Hamilton to 5.0 seconds.
Alguersuari tries to hold off Petrov and Massa at Turn 14. Petrov makes it but Massa has to wait until Turn 16, the last corner, to take 10th. Alonso is 1.6 seconds behind Rosberg - can the Mercedes driver hold on?
Button is cooking with gas now. What a drive. He's 4.1 second ahead. Alonso has reduced the gap on third-placed Rosberg from 6.8 second on lap 41 to 2.9 now.
Button must have been told that Hamilton was gaining and he pulls the gap back to 3.0 seconds. Rosberg still third, Alonso fourth - 2.6 seconds ahead of Kubica. Vettel is sixth.
Button anxiously tells his team: "Give me information on Lewis." Not that he will be reading this but I can tell you, Hamilton has closed the gap to 2.6 seconds. Kubica, in fifth, is just 1.8 seconds behind Alonso.
Button and Hamilton are pulling away from the rest of the field. Button extends his lead to 3.7 seconds.
Alex via text:
"All that moaning after Australia of a dull season. I've never been so enthralled and I don't even class myself as a F1 fan! This is brilliant. Watching the chaos from bed..."
Button leads his team-mate by 3.3 seconds.
Button gets out ahead of Hamilton but Rosberg doesn't. Webber locks up at Turn 14 and although he goes wide, he is able to carry on. Button leads by 3.2 seconds from Hamilton, then it is Rosberg, Alonso, Kubica, Vettel, Webber, Schumacher, Alguersuari and Petrov.
Button does the same. Rosberg and Alonso join him.
Hamilton, Kubica and Vettel all come in for new tyres.
Webber comes in for another pit stop. New intermediates for the Red Bull man. Rosberg and Hamilton are having a right old ding-dong. Hamilton gets through at Turn Nine but Rosberg takes second back at the exit of Turn 10. Button leads by 7.2 seconds. Trulli retires.
All Rosberg can see in his mirrors now is Hamilton's McLaren. The Briton is all over him like a cheap suit at Turn 14 but Rosberg closes the door.
Hamilton, in third, is just 0.7 seconds behind Rosberg now. McLaren one-two anyone? Button is 3.9 seconds ahead.
Petrov spins after losing control of his Renault on the short straight between Turns 10 and 11. Alonso is now fifth, Vettel sixth, after Petrov's incident. Button is 3.3 seconds clear.
BBC pit-lane reporter Ted Kravitz says that Nico Rosberg's tyres are going off. Hamilton is saying the same but the team tell him to keep on them as more rain is on the way. Button extends his lead to three seconds.
Webber dives up the inside of Barrichello for 11th. Button leads Rosberg by 2.6 seconds now. Schumacher is struggling to get around Sutil. Vettel is seventh, 17 seconds behind Button.
Button leads Rosberg by 2.1 seconds. Massa is 10th and he is followed by Barrichello and Webber.
Turn 14 is the place to overtake. Hamilton takes Kubica for third while soon after Alonso sneaks past Sutil for sixth. Do not go anywhere.
BBC Radio 5 live analyst Anthony Davidson:
"Lewis Hamilton has a very good opportunity to win this race. He's driving a real stormer of a Grand Prix. He has the speed, especially in these conditions."
Button leads Rosberg by a second. Hamilton is all over third-placed Kubica.
Another good move from Hamilton as he overtakes Petrov at the exit to Turn Eight. He's fourth. Alonso and Vettel take Schumacher. Alonso is seventh while Schumacher seems to be going backwards.
What a re-start. It's a lot wetter now and spray is starting to come off the back of the cars. Button leads by 1.4 seconds from Rosberg. Then it is Kubica, Petrov and Hamilton. Alonso has moved up to eighth.
Mark Webber goes very wide at the end of the lap. He tells his team that Hamilton "smashed me off the road".
The safety car is coming in at the end of the lap.
Here's the order: Button, Rosberg, Kubica, Petrov, Schumacher, Webber, Hamilton, Vettel, Sutil, Alonso, Massa and Barrichello. The safety car is still out. The retirements are: Di Grassi, De la Rosa, Buemi, Kobayashi, Liuzzi, Glock.
The safety car is out. We have not seen an incident so we presume that it is to clean up Alguersuari's debris. Alonso is in 10th after overtaking his team-mate at the entry to the pit-lane. Interesting.
Right then, Button leads Rosberg by 4.2 seconds from Rosberg. Kubica is second. Debris flies off Alguersuari's car as he comes into the pits.
BMW Sauber's Pedro de la Rosa after retiring on lap eight:
"I lost power out of Turn Six - I think it was an engine problem. As a team we were doing well, staying out in tricky conditions and not changing tyres too early. It was a good opportunity for us - when you have them you have to take them."
The Hamilton and Vettel pit-lane incident will be investigated after the race. The cars pile into the pits for intermediates. My colleague next to me has confidently predicated that Button will now win this.
It must be raining a bit heavier now. Rosberg goes well wide at Turn 11 and Button is able to close the gap. Button then takes the lead at Turn 14.
Alguersuari takes his Toro Rosso ahead of Sutil at Turn 14 and is now in ninth. The cars touch as they exit the corner but there seems to be no damage.
Button loses a bit of time. He is 3.4 seconds behind Rosberg. Hamilton now fifth, then it is Vettel, Schumacher and Webber. Massa in 11th, Barrichello in 12th and then Alonso.
Finally Hamilton does it. The Brit gets the slipstream on the back straight, Schumacher comes up the inside of Turn 14 but Hamilton overtakes on the exit.
Hamilton again tries to overtake Schumacher at Turn 14. Great tussle this. Hamilton tries to go around the outside but the seven-time champ holds his ground. Rosberg leads by 2.2 seconds and is told by his team that rain is coming back.
Hamilton has a long look at Schumacher coming into Turn 14. No cigar. Button reduces the lap between him and Rosberg to 2.5 seconds. De la Rosa is out.
Rosberg leads by 2.8 seconds. Then it is Button, Kubica, Petrov, Schumacher, Hamilton, Vettel, Webber and Sutil.
Vettel and then Webber go up the inside of Sutil at Turn 14. Hamilton sets the fastest time of the race - a 1:43.276.
What a move from Hamilton at Turn 14. He comes up the inside of Vettel and then Sutil to move up into seventh place. Brilliant. Alonso closing the gap on Massa. Rosberg still 2.9 seconds clear of Button at the front.
Button closes the gap on Rosberg to 2.9 seconds. Hamilton up to 10th now after overtaking Webber. Alonso is down in 14th, one place behind team-mate Massa.
Rosberg still leading, team-mate Schumacher is sixth. then it is the Lotus of Heikki Kovalainen in seventh.
Vitantonio Liuzzi on his first-lap crash:
"I was just a passenger, I didn't see much. When I went into corner five the brake locked and I slid off."
De la Rosa's BMW Sauber has smoke coming out of it. Is that another Ferrari engine about to blow? Rosberg leads Button by 3.4 seconds. Hamilton is 12th. Vettel takes Webber to go into ninth.
Rosberg leads by 2.8 seconds from Button. Great battle between Hamilton and Rubens Barrichello. The Williams driver is not giving up his place easily though.
Right, who leads? It's Rosberg, Button, Kubica, De La Rosa, Sutil, Petrov, Webber and then Alonso. Those who did not come in the first time made the right call. Alonso serves his penalty. He has been into the pits three times now.
Alonso gets a drive-through penalty. Hamilton, in 12th, wants to go back to slicks as the intermediates have gone. Vettel in for slicks but as he exits the pits he goes side-by-side with Hamilton. That was very, very close.
Rosberg sets the fastest lap - a 1:51.312. Schumacher comes into the pits for his second stop.
The safety car is still out as the clearing up continues but it will be in at the end of the lap. Rosberg leads from Button, Kubica and Petrov.
Lots of drivers come in for intermediates. Alonso, Webber, Vettel, Schumacher are some of those in the pits. Hamilton looked as if he was staying but gets a late call to come in. Button still out.
Button tells his team that "Alonso must have jumped the start". Liuzzi seems to have been at fault for the shunt. He loses the car at Turn Six and takes out Kobayashi and Buemi. Alonso is under investigation by the stewards.
The safety car is out after a collision between Vitantonio Liuzzi, Kamui Kobayashi and Sebastien Buemi.
What a start from Alonso. Was it a jump start? He leaps ahead of both Red Bulls and leads the race. Webber gets in front of Vettel.
The formation lap begins. But more Virgin problems, they can't put the front of Timo Glock's car back down on to the track and he cannot move. He is taken back to the pit lane. Nico Rosberg is told that the rain is getting heavier. We are set for 56 laps, ready?
Renault on Twitter:
"The race start should be interesting with the risk of rain - will it, will it not rain?"
rshah619 on Twitter:
"Alonso has got to take on Vettel and Webber today. Gonna be tough, Vettel has been quick!"
Jungle_007 on Twitter:
"The Red Bulls are too good in the dry and Vettel's too good in the wet. There's only one winner today, right?"
McLaren's Jenson Button:
"I'm happy with the car on long runs. If it's dry we can do reasonably well, the race will be a good judge of how quick we are compared with Red Bull."
BBC Sport's Sarah Holt in Shanghai:
"New Sauber technical boss James Key, who has arrived from Force India as successor to the retiring Willy Rampf, reckons this season's aerodynamic gizmo the 'f duct' is a must-have for all teams. A McLaren boffin was behind the device, which improves straight-line speed by stalling air flow to the rear wing, but Mercedes, Ferrari, Williams and Sauber are now all running copies. 'Everyone needs to have it otherwise you'll have a disadvantage,' Key told me. 'It's not clear-cut what you can get out of it but the top-speed effects are there. It's a bit like last year's diffuser, it's the thing to have on. It's been good for Sauber as they've really stolen the march by getting it to Melbourne.'"
The umbrellas are up and the macs are on but the crowd look pretty cheery anyway. Some poor soul is desperately trying to hang on to his rain protection as the wind tries to take it away. Nine minutes to go.
Michael B, Taba Heights and also Hemel Hempstead:
"Stuck in Egypt on the beach, 30 degrees, can't get home and there's no F1 on the telly!! So relying on some decent textual feeling."
Alison in Musselburgh via text:
"My 12-hour nightshift is just about to finish at eight, I'm desperate to get home to start watching the race!! Flatmate on standby to make the bacon rolls for the 'start'. Hate missing the live start but needs must. Can't wait! Go on Jenson and Lewis!!"
Rob via text:
"Good morning, stuck in Romania courtesy of ash gate. So many variables 1) Will Schumacher look old by comparison to the boy wonders who look like a shave could be a monthly experience? 2) Will Hamilton continue to have repeated "learning experiences" including driving in straight lines. 3) Will Webber glare in that Aussie manner at Vettel or is a milk ad the beginning of the end? 4) Will I get home anytime soon?"
BBC Sport's Sarah Holt in Shanghai:
"The hot topic in China is the tale of
trailing volcanic ash
, which has shut down much of northern Europe's air routes, and its impact on the Formula 1 fraternity. The cars, equipment and 100s of competitors, journalists, sponsors and caterers are now trying to find an alternative route back to Europe and all in time to get ready for the Barcelona Grand Prix on 9 May. McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh says: 'We haven't had any word from the freight yet and we've got to get the cars back. We've been rotating chassis' but the cars and equipment have been away for some time and we're looking forward to getting them back in the factories as quickly as possible and servicing the cars properly. We have a range of upgrades that we hope to put on for Barca that could be chaotic if we don't get the freight back. As for the people, they are incredibly resourceful and we'll find a way back, it just might be more tortuous than usual.' Most drivers seem to be taking it in their stride and both McLaren bods Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton hadn't planned to go back to Blighty anyway."
bruinhoo on Twitter:
"A late F1 night in California, with only an ale and the chat keeping me company through the start."
Martin Brundle is desperate to get a good look at the Red Bull but some very burly mechanics are standing at the back of the car to protect it from prying eyes. Even team boss Christian Horner tries to move him on. Mercedes chief Ross Brawn is asked why Michael Schumacher is off the pace and he simply replies: "Good question." Interesting.
It certainly was a rain-affected race last year when Vettel and Webber made it a Red Bull one-two. Robert Kubica, then driving for BMW Sauber, smacked into the back of Jarno Trulli's Toyota while Force India's Adrian Sutil spun off with five laps to go. Grid walk time... awesome.
Lotus on Twitter:
"Heading to the grid now - few spots of rain but everyone's on slicks."
jpinx in Bangkok via text:
"Schumi looks like the worst comeback of all time. Vettel is the man, though I hope Webber gets a good shot too. Thanks for your service."
Coulthard is interviewing Webber on the telly and here at BBC Towers we are loving the Australian's singing on an advert for milk. Brilliant. It reminds me of Rolf Harris.
BBC F1 commentator Jonathan Legard:
"In anticipation of rain on race day, both Ferraris opted to use increased downforce settings during qualifying and that decision could go either way today. If the rain does come then Fernando Alonso, who starts in third ahead of team-mate Felipe Massa in seventh, may have an advantage. But if it stays dry, as it has been for most of the morning, then the Ferraris may find themselves compromised - particularly by a potentially reduced straightline speed, which could make them vulnerable to being overtaken. Similarly, Sebastien Buemi, who lines up in 13th, tuned his Toro Rosso to a more rain-friendly settting."
BBC analyst Eddie Jordan:
"I noticed a different Michael Schumacher yesterday. It's so unlike him to pay credit to Nico Rosberg and building him up - it's like a back-handed compliment to himself. If he's not able to do it at this stage then Schumacher is in danger of going backwards in his career."
It's getting darker in Shanghai and rain does look like it is on the way. Our man
has the latest. Apparently rain is falling "quite extensively west of Shanghai". The race might start dry though.
genjirrumatio on 606:
"Morning all. Yet again we find ourselves depending on the same thing to spark off some excitement - not the rain: Lewis Hamilton."
Beth from Cambs via text:
"Mum is cooking me, my sister and her boyfriend a full English. She hates F1 but loves us! Come on the Brits!! The McLarens need to move out there today but good luck to Vettel - hope he finishes."
Darrell Allen from Norwich via text:
"Good morning Mark. Really looking forward to this race. Hope it's wet and we get a cracking grand prix. Mark Webber to win!"
Just a quick update on Hispania Racing's Karun Chandhok. He was given a five-place grid penalty after the team broke a seal on his gearbox following Friday practice. The Indian driver has elected to start from the pit lane.
I know you lot like to know about the wardrobe of our telly boys and this weekend, Jake Humphrey and David Coulthard are in blue and lilac. Nice co-ordination. The wild card in the pack, our very own Eddie Jordan, has not made it out to Shanghai because of Volcanic Ash Thursday. Have no fear though, he is still chatting to the boys from TV Centre here in London although we can't see what he is wearing. Shame.
Anon via text:
"Do hairstyles and sport really mix? I have a Vettel looky-likey on my hands at home. My little boy Theo has changed allegiances from Hamilton to Vettel this year. Why? All down to the cool looking wild blonde mop. I guess I'm only jealous - not a lot on top for me."
Pete via text:
"Stuck at Cairo airport, thank God for BBC and F1 coverage!"
benjohnson8 on Twitter:
"Dear Mark, was out earlier at the student union, got in to a (drunken) poker tournament and am still awake. F1 it is then."
After reliability problems cost him victory in Bahrain and Australia, Vettel stormed to victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix last time out. He was the third different winner this season, following victories for Alonso and Button in the opening two races. Ferrari's Felipe Massa currently leads the standings by two points from Alonso and Vettel.
BBC Sport's Sarah Holt on Twitter:
"My shirt sleeves may be rolled up but it's definitely getting cooler and I'm not loving the circuit blasting 'We are the World' at high volume."
BBC Sport's Andrew Benson:
"Lewis Hamilton's driving in defending his position from Renault's Vitaly Petrov at the Malaysian Grand Prix was the subject of an extensive discussion in the drivers' briefing on Friday. Hamilton initially defended himself saying what others said was weaving was in fact him trying to stop Petrov getting a tow on him, but
after a long discussion about it in the drivers' briefing on Friday he now says
it is a case of "lesson learned". Most of the drivers who spoke in the meeting made it clear that they felt Hamilton's side-to-side manoeuvring down the pit straight was against the rules, which say drivers can only move once to defend their position. In Malaysia, Hamilton was only given a warning. But it was agreed with race director Charlie Whiting that in future any similar manoeuvres would be reported to the stewards instead for them to take a view on whether to issue a penalty."
Look sharp, telly coverage is about to begin on BBC One. It is also being streamed on this very website and at the top of this page. The post-race forum on the Red Button runs from 1015-1115 BST. You can also listen to the race on BBC Radio 5 live.
Red Bull have been outstanding in qualifying this season, taking poles in all four races so far. Vettel claimed pole for the third time this campaign yesterday with a blistering lap of 1:34.558. Team-mate Mark Webber starts from second on the grid, with Ferrari's Fernando Alonso and Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg lurking on the second row. McLaren's Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton qualified in fifth and sixth respectively.
BBC Sport's Sarah Holt in Shanghai:
"Rain, rain, go away
oh hang on, the forecast rain is yet to gather in Shanghai's skies and instead we have been bathed in sunshine and warm temperatures. Having said that, there's a brisk breeze at the circuit and clouds are now stretching overhead. Will it, or won't it? We shall see. The circuit's huge grandstands can hold up to 200,000 fans but an attempt to find out just how many have showed up over the past two days was met by a strong will not to impart the information up at Circuit HQ. At the main gates this morning, supporters were still queuing for tickets, the cheapest on offer was about £10. Sadly, a group of people selling laminated photos of Michael Schumacher were shooed away by security. The seven-time world champion won his last race here in 2006 but it's German compatriot Sebastian Vettel who's targeting a pole-to-post victory today."
At the moment it is dry in Shanghai but overcast. Rain is forecast for today and our F1 colleagues at BBC Radio 5 live
that "rain expected in the next 30 minutes".
You know the drill by now. You get in touch, I'll do my best to put it up. Easy isn't it? It can be on any subject, although it is probably best if we keep the chat loosely based on F1. Winners, losers, surprises, silly bets or breakfast menus - it's up to you really. Text on 81111 (UK) or +44 7786200666 (worldwide), tweet me on
Morning campers. After two days of changing sleep patterns, no social life and general fatigue, there was no way that you were going to miss this little tear up in Shanghai were you? Good to have you with us. Hope you managed to get some rest yesterday. I got home to find my soon-to-be four-year-old telling my eldest son: "You'll be Lewis Hamilton and I'll be Spiderman." I'm still not sure where that game was heading to be honest
In China last year, Sebastian Vettel claimed Red Bull's first ever pole position and then turned it into the team's first race win. It would take a brave soul to bet against him taking the honours this weekend. Who are you backing?