By sportswriter Michael Butterworth

SHANGHAI, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Ahead of this weekend's 2019 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix, several drivers took time to discuss the characteristics of the Shanghai International Circuit, with many praising the unique challenges the 16-turn, 5.451km track presents.

Speaking exclusively to Xinhua, 2018 Chinese Grand Prix winner Daniel Ricciardo noted the difficulty inherent in the circuit's very first turn, a 270-degree double right-hander that tightens considerably towards the corner exit.

"There's no corner like it on the calendar," Ricciardo told Xinhua. "It's probably the longest corner on the F1 calendar, and it goes up and then comes back down, all at the same time. It's also really hard on the left-front tyres, so that's just a challenge in itself trying to figure out how that goes."

At the drivers' pre-event press conference on Thursday, 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen also talked up a circuit at which he tasted victory in his title-winning year.

"I think it's a nice track," enthused the Alfa Romeo driver. "It's been the same since I came here the first time, but there are some good overtaking opportunities and it's good fun to drive on."

Racing Point's Sergio Perez was another who spoke favorably on Thursday about the challenges posed by the Shanghai International Circuit.

"It's definitely a circuit I enjoy," said Perez. "Turn One is quite hard when you first get here. It's always very hard to reach the apex because it's so late in the corner that it [catches you out]. The wind is also very difficult here. So it's quite a unique place, and a nice feeling over one lap."

And for Haas driver Romain Grosjean, tyre conservation forms a key element of securing a good result at Shanghai.

"In the race, the challenge is to look after your tyres, especially the front ones, with those long corners," explained the Frenchman. "That can really make a huge difference if you've used your tyres too much or not. Then you can have some really good racing. It's a good circuit and a good place to come."

The 2019 Chinese Grand Prix weekend runs from April 12 to 14 at the Shanghai International Circuit. Xinhua will be there to keep you updated of all the happenings across practise, qualifying and, of course, Sunday's race.