Along with everyone else up and down pitlane, the Renault Sport Formula One Team had a very quiet start to this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix with low cloud precluding the medical helicopter from being able to fulfill its role, meaning track running was severely curtailed.

There was a brief period of running during FP1, however the red flags were soon out again. FP2 saw no running.
 In FP1, Nico completed an installation lap on Pirelli's wet tyres then 5 laps on the intermediate tyres, including a brief spin at turn 3.

“Unfortunately there's not much to say about today,” he said. “I did get one flying lap on the intermediate tyres but that was it. We made a front wing adjustment and I was starting another flying lap when I was caught out and spun at the entry to turn three. Sadly the car ended up in the gravel so that was the end of my session. Running was stopped shortly afterwards due to the helicopter issue so we didn't lose out today. FP2 was a real shame for everyone.”

Meanwhile, teammate  Jolyon Palmer completed one installation lap on the wet tyres and then two installation laps on the intermediates in FP1.

“In terms of track time we ran faultlessly today; unfortunately the weather circumstances meant it was only for three installation laps,” the Brit said. “It was pretty slippey-slidey out there, but I was happy with both the wet and intermediate tyres for the limited time I used them. It's a shame for the fans and I'm hoping for everyone's sake that the weather improves tomorrow.”