The Human Race
1m48.300 seconds... A seemingly arbitrary number, but in the context of two drivers from opposing teams achieving that exact time on average in Shanghai qualifying is nothing short of astounding - in fact you'd have a greater chance of being struck by lightening in a biosphere.
There's no question that the World endurance championship qualifying format is fast becoming the most exciting on the motorsport calendar. Yes Toyota are starting to strecth their legs over the opposition, but are doing so in such spectacular fashion over a 6 hour stretch that it makes the Mercedes F1 show pale in comparison.
It's hard to escape the fact that the WEC paddock arrived in Fuji with a heavy heart following Jules Bianchi's horrific accident a week prior at Suzuka. A heated drivers briefing following Austin's red-flag debacle did little to aleve tensions , with some drivers taking to Twitter to vent their frustrations.
All that said, there are concerted efforts being made to improve safety measures; with the implementation of 80km/h 'slow zones' proving to be a success. Motor sport is about people and people by there very nature are fallible, but its the humanity and communal bonding of our sport - that was also evident this month - that makes it so special.
Trent Price, eRacing editor @realtrentprice
Ernesto Nigro. eRacing Managing editor @TheF1Poet