STORY OF THE DAY: Alonso Controls a Strategic Shanghai Contest

Fernando Alonso won the 2013 Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai in the number 3 Ferrari F138. In the third round of the World Championship, he finished ahead of Kimi Raikkonen and Lewis Hamilton to record his 31st Grand Prix victory and recover strongly from his early retirement in Malaysia.

Alonso started third and, together with teammate Felipe Massa, swept past Hamilton on the fifth lap. The contest then revolved around rapid tyre degradation and differing strategies. Alonso completed three stops, repeatedly regained ground with decisive passes and overtook Sebastian Vettel for the lead before controlling the final phase with a clear pace advantage.

The F138’s name combined the year 2013 with the final season of Formula One’s 2.4-litre V8 regulations. The car retained Ferrari’s pull-rod front suspension and Kinetic Energy Recovery System, while revised bodywork and exhaust management sought to improve rear aerodynamic performance over the preceding F2012.

Spanish driver Alonso progressed from karting to Formula One and won the 2005 and 2006 World Championships with Renault. He joined Ferrari in 2010 and became the team’s principal title contender. His Shanghai victory displayed the controlled aggression and strategic adaptability that defined his strongest performances for the Scuderia.