Formula One in Shanghai

Last year, Formula One celebrated its debut in the PR China on the "Shanghai International Circuit." Following Malaysia and Japan (Suzuka), this was the third Formula One track in Asia, with which the next important market for Formula One was clinched. Victor of the first race was Rubens Barrichello (Ferrari), followed by Kimi Räikkönen (McLaren) and Jenson Button (BAR). The lap record is held by Michael Schumacher (1:32.238).

The track was developed by German architect Hermann Tilke. Interestingly, the track in Shanghai is shaped like the same Chinese character, shang ("above"), in the city's name. With a length of 5.451 km, 56 laps are required to achieve the Formua One Grand Prix distance of 305 km. With two long straightaways followed by tight curves, the Shanghai track is a very challenging course. Races start at 14:00 local time, corresponding to 8:00 for viewers in western Europe.

F1 Grand Prix 2005 schedule

As last year, Shanghai is the last Formula One race of the year

Friday, 14 October 2005

First free practice: 11:00 - 12:00 local time (5:00 - 6:00 Central European Time)
Second free practice: 14:00 - 15:00 local time (8:00 - 9:00 CET)

Saturday, 15 October 2005

First practice: 9:00 - 9:45 local time (3:00 - 3:45 CET)
Second practice: 10:15 - 11:00 local time (4:15 - 5:00 CET)
First qualifying: 13:00 local time (7:00 CET)

Sunday, 16 October 2005

Race: 14:00 local time (8:00 CET

History and construction of the racetrack

China has put forth effort in the last few years to get into the Formula One calendar. Of course, the racetrack in Zhuhai (in the southerly province of Guandong) was unsuitable and was barely named a substitute track in 1999. The Shanghai International Circuit enabled China to present a convincing case; built in less than eighteen months on a former swamp, there is space for 200,000 spectators. Shanghai has a F1 contract through 2010. The race track cost 245 million euro in all.

Location of racetrack

The Shanghai International Circuit lies in the northwestern part of Shanghai in the Jiading district, about one hour by car from the international airport in Pudong. It is readily reached by peripheral and outer perimeter highways.