Minardi - end of an era

The Chinese Grand Prix will see the end of an F1 era, as the Minardi name disappears from the grid following the team's purchase by Red Bull.

Giancarlo Fisichella and Fernando Alonso, were both Minardi alumni.

Fisichella said: "I am very sad to see them go. My first test was there, my first F1 race too, and I have to say thank you to Giancarlo Minardi for the opportunity.

"The atmosphere was fantastic, with the Italian mechanics, and we laughed all the time. It is a great team, and they will always have a place in my heart."

As for Spaniard Alonso, he made his F1 debut with the Faenza team in 2001, and has fond memories of his time there.

"I think Minardi has always been an example for a lot of people," he said.

"It is not the power of money that gives them their fighting spirit, it is the power of the people. They were a good thing for F1 - now, it is often all about business, but with Minardi, everything was just about motor racing."

And did you know...

... that this is the first season in which Formula 1 has seen 19 races? The fewest grands prix were held in the years 1950 to 1955, each World Championship featuring only seven events.

The periods between the races were also significantly longer in some cases.

In 1955, between the season's first race in Argentina and the second in Monaco, no fewer than 18 weeks went by.

China GP - 2004

Rubens Barrichello won while Ferrari team-mate Michael Schumacher's magic touch deserted him in front of the biggest audience of the season.

He started from the pitlane and ended up 12th, lapped and with his first non-scoring finish since 1999.

Jacques Villeneuve made his comeback with Renault after nearly a year out but failed to score. BAR's Jenson Button finished second to secure third place in the championship.