Lewis Hamilton made it to two pole positions in two races after beating Sebastian Vettel by 0.186 seconds at the Shanghai International circuit in qualifying on Saturday (8 April). Valtteri Bottas almost made it a Mercedes front row lockout, but had to settle for third after lapping 0.001 seconds slower than the Ferrari driver. Kimi Raikkonen ensured the front four started in the same order as the season opening Australian Grand Prix by qualifying fourth.

The Ferraris looked to be quicker going into the final session of qualifying, but Hamilton extracted that little bit more from his car to beat Vettel to take his sixth consecutive pole, which includes the last four races of 2016.

Max Verstappen was the big casualty of qualifying round after his Red Bull suffered engine problems ending his session after Q1. The Dutchman will start in 19th place, but could move up two slots if Joylon Palmer and Romain Grosjean are penalised for speeding under yellow flags. He will be one to watch during the race, especially if it rains.

Williams rookie Lance Stroll impressed during qualifying and will line up 10th, while another rookie Antonio Giovinazzi will start 15th but could drop down if Sauber need to change his gearbox after he put his car into the barriers at the end of Q1.

Lewis Hamilton
The top four Hamilton, Vettel, Bottas and Raikkonen - qualified in the same positions as they did at the season opening race in Australia Getty

Weather conditions have been unpredictable in China this weekend and after a dry qualifying session, rain is expected during the race. Hamilton and Vettel will start as the two favourites.

Where to Watch Live

The race starts at 7am BST on Sunday (9 April). Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports F1 HD will provide live TV coverage.

Real-time Internet updates are available on the Live Timing section of the sport's official website.

Top 10 qualifying results from the Shanghai International Circuit, China:

POS.DRIVERTEAMTIME
1LEWIS HAMILTONMERCEDES1:31.678
2SEBASTIAN VETTELFERRARI1:31.864
3VALTTERI BOTTASMERCEDES1:31.865
4KIMI RÄIKKÖNENFERRARI1:32.140
5DANIEL RICCIARDORED BULL RACING1:33.033
6FELIPE MASSAWILLIAMS1:33.507
7NICO HULKENBERGRENAULT1:33.580
8SERGIO PEREZFORCE INDIA1:33.706
9DANIIL KVYATTORO ROSSO1:33.719
10LANCE STROLLWILLIAMS1:34.220