Tuesday, 1 December: Estelle Poret’s hopes of a first world title may have taken a mighty hit in China but she heads a trio of riders who may play a big role in which of the two title favourites, Ortendahl and Menard, wins through.

With race wins in Qatar and in Italy 19-year-old Poret was in second place in the standings heading to China nine points adrift of Emma-Nellie Ortendahl, but a DNF in race 1 and managing just nine points on a borrowed bike in race 2, dropped her to third overall 32 points off the leader and 29 points behind Jennifer Menard. But she knows that on her day she can beat both.

Seven points behind Poret is series newcomer and the 2015 Ladies GP2 European Champion, Beatriz Curtinhal from Portugal, who has competed in two of the three rounds so far this season. Curtinhal, 21, is on a hot streak finishing second in her last three races, beating Ortendhal last time out and racked up several wins against Menard on her way to the European tour title.

Behind them in fifth spot and just one point behind Curtinhal is the consistent Joanna Borgstrom who has picked up four top six finishes in six starts.

If either of this trio can get amongst and mix it with or beat either of the two favourites and take points away from them the title race will hang on a knife edge.

Add to that the scenario of any technical issues for either or both of the front-two and the title race is blown wide open.