The Formula 1 season has gotten off to a stronger start than usual on NBCSN.

Last Sunday’s Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix earned 301,000 viewers on NBCSN, up 171% from last year (111K), and the network’s most-viewed “overnight” race since acquiring F1 rights.

Overall, the race ranks as the third-most viewed Formula 1 telecast ever on NBCSN (17 telecasts dating back to last year), trailing only this year’s race from Bahrain (594K) and last year’s race from Abu Dhabi (354K).

Through four races, the 2014 Formula 1 season has averaged 348,000 viewers on NBCSN — up 150% from last year and up 33% from 2012 on Speed Channel.

(This year’s numbers from NBC Sports Group Press Box)