What to watch this Weekend (April 17th - April 23rd)

• Pirelli World Challenge 2013. Sonoma. Thursday @ 5:30pm - 6:30pm (MAVTV) replay
• Formula 1 - Chinese Grand Prix; from Shanghai, China/Shanghai International Circuit. Practice. Friday @ 2am - 3:30am (NBCSN(HD)) live
• Formula 1 - Chinese Grand Prix; from Shanghai, China/Shanghai International Circuit. Qualifying. Saturday @ 2am - 3:30am (NBCSN(HD)) live
• Formula 1 - Chinese Grand Prix; from Shanghai, China/Shanghai International Circuit. Race. Sunday @ 2:30am - 5am (NBCSN(HD)) live; replay Sunday at 2:30pm
• Top Gear (UK). Mini-marathon of past episodes. Monday @ 4pm - 11pm (BBCAmerica(HD)) replays
• Motorweek. Tuesday @ 7:30pm - 8pm (VelocityHD) new
• Legendary Motorcar. Toy trains and real cars. Tuesday @ 10pm - 10:30pm (VelocityHD) new
• Wheeler Dealers. Wednesday @ 8pm - 10pm (VelocityHD) replays

Even though we're well into April, we're still getting cold fronts and snow here in the Mid-Atlantic. While we can't catch a break weather-wise, we have some great weekend motorsport action ahead with the return of F1 to China. New cars, new rules, more efficiency, new exhaust bark, but the competition has never been fiercer. First off, what can't we say about the race last week in Bahrain. The sun set, the lights were bright on the track and the cream rose to the top. One of the best races of the past few seasons, Hamilton held on to keep in the closing laps to keep a predatory Nico Rosberg from his second win this year. In doing so Hamilton has one two straight after an initial DNF due to bad plug leads. Ricciardo continues to out perform Vettel in qualy and it appears that Vettel's car is still a bit off; the same can be said about Raikkonen and his Scudaria Ferrari. Hulkenberg and more significantly, Force India, is still quick. McLaren looks like they've gotten their pace back. Alonzo is still as crafty as ever and Maldonado is still...Maldonado. The Driver's Championship standings are as follows: Rosberg, Hamilton (-11), Hulkenberg (-33), Alonzo (-35), Button (-38), Vettel (-38).

The F1 gang will be in Shanghai tomorrow for practice. While it's still early I believe, this weekend, we'll find out if Petronas Mercedes is ready to step on the field's throat or keep things interesting. Enjoy your weekends.

Video courtesy of Porsche.