F1 to enjoy extended break after China

(GMM) Fernando Alonso on Thursday tipped the F1 world to enjoy its rare extended break in the wake of Sunday's Chinese grand prix.

The first four rounds of this year's world championship have all taken place outside of Europe and within an intensive six-week period.

But after Shanghai, the F1 circus will enjoy two free weekends before re-congregating for the start of the European season in Spain.

"The drivers and the teams can charge their batteries before the European races start," said Ferrari's Alonso. "We'll all benefit from that, that's for sure."