Thursday, September 28 2006 12:37 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London: Pedro de la Rosa says he cannot wait to be let loose on the Shanghai circuit for this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix. The McLaren driver, who has yet to learn his fate for next season, spent last week preparing for the first of the two Asian Grands prix.

"Since the Italian Grand Prix three weeks ago, we tested at Silverstone for two days. My programme with the team focused on Michelin tyres for Shanghai and Japan, alongside set-up for both races, it was a good session," he insists.

"I am now really looking forward to getting back to driving in Shanghai. I drove there last year on Friday with the team, and really enjoyed the track. It is the kind of circuit that you understand really quickly, so can start pushing to the limits right away," he reveals.

"I completed 50 laps last year, so I have some good experience of the track and cannot wait to race on it. The track has some pretty fast straights, and our set-up will be medium down force, but towards the lower end to ensure we are quick along these sections of the track whilst also being fast on the slower, windy sections."

Outgoing Kimi Raikkonen is hoping to go one better this year after finishing on the podium in the two previous races.

"The Shanghai track is great to drive, it is quite wide so can be good for overtaking in places. So far in China I have finished in third and second and my aim for this year is to take the top step of the podium with Team McLaren Mercedes."