The Colombian finished second in Malaysia and third in San Marino, and expects an unpredictable race at the newly-built Shanghai International Circuit.

“It’s difficult to predict anything for China,” he said.

“Everyone is in the same position of not knowing the circuit so it will be a level playing field.

“It’ll just be interesting to see who gets the best set-up on their car in the quickest time possible.

“Shanghai is another track designed by Hermann Tilke, who did a pretty good job with Bahrain and Malaysia.

“I hope this circuit will offer plenty of overtaking opportunities which would make an exciting race for the drivers and provide an entertaining show for the public.

“This year there have been a few races where we’ve narrowly missed out on achieving a better result, so I hope things will turn around for the team in Shanghai.

“I am flying out to China a few days earlier because of some marketing commitments which will take me to Beijing.”