Stage set for the 2012 Formula 1 UBS Chinese Grand Prix

The stage is set for the 2012 Formula 1 UBS Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai after a blistering performance by Mercedes Benz's Nico Rosberg who ended up taking the pole position by over half a second from McLaren's Lewis Hamilton and teammate Michael Schumacher. This was Nico's maiden pole position in his 7 year Formula 1 racing career. And what a fantastic drive it was. No one else from the field was able to get close to his final time in Q1. Defending champion and 2 time pole setter Sebastian Vettel could only manage 11th position and was not able to get out of Q2. Lewis Hamilton will be penalized 5 positions and will start from 6th position due to a gear box change. Kamui Kobayashi will take 3rd place and Schumi will start from 2nd place on the grid.

The top 10 will line up in the order Rosberg, Schumacher, Kobayashi, Raikkonen, Button, Webber, Hamilton, Perez, Alonso and Grosjean.

With several straightaways and top speeds of almost 200mph the 2012 Chinese Grand Prix is turning out to be quite the stunner especially with most of the teams bringing in upgrades that will aid them across the track. Will 2 time winner Lewis Hamilton be able to take the checkered flag and make it a hat-trick? We'll find out tomorrow. Stay tuned!

The Chinese Grand Prix begins at 3:00pm Shanghai time. Click here to see your local timing. In India, the race will be broadcast on Star Sports starting at 11:30AM.