Sebastian Vettel laid down the gauntlet yet again, as the Chinese Grand prix weekend got off to a good start. The first practice session saw drivers struggling with visibility due to a smog, which meant it was a while before the action began. Once they got going, it seemed KERS was being troublesome, and the tyres were just as keen on shedding rubber as in Malaysia. The most notable moment was when Nick Heidfeld lost control of his Renault and crashed into the barriers, damaging the front wing.