Points But No Podium - Goodbye China

One of those afternoons, you might say. There were points but no podiums. Only two points, but they all count and it is afternoons like this that come the end of the season we will could look back on and say 'those two points Vitaly got for us in China, they were crucial'.

As the sun sets in China this evening, it would be difficult to say we were inspired by our on-track performance this weekend however it is not all bad. Two podiums from the first two races is a strong start, and there is no doubt the R31 is fast (as was once again proven during Vitaly's Q2 yesterday afternoon). As it proved, we had an unlucky end to qualifying.

Spirits, however are not dampened - we know we can compete at the top end of the grid and we'll now look ahead to amend for a less than spectacular result this weekend.

And with the hope of a top end finish this weekend no longer possible, thoughts now turn to the first European Race of the season in what we once knew as Constantinople (nowadays, Istanbul). The Istanbul Park circuit is actually on the Asian side of the city, but the next round of the 2011 F1 season is in fact considered the official start of the European swing of races.

Equipment is swiftly packed up by our team, and freighted to Enstone in time for the next trip. The general feeling in the camp is that this is now a time to reflect and prepare for the next challenge. We've started the season and we've started it well, but all thoughts are on a quick return to form in just under three weeks' time.

Car upgrades will be on the way, the team will be fresh from the Easter break and there is a real feeling at LRGP that a lot can be achieved this season with two drivers fighting fair and square for the points. And with Mercedes beginning to perform this weekend in Shanghai, it is going to be an even more interesting battle in Turkey, with the competition getting even hotter.

For now Asia, goodbye.