Shanghai circuit stuns F1 bosses

The new Shanghai circuit, which will host China’s first-ever grand prix in September, has been given a glowing reference by motorsport’s world governing body.

Jo Bauer, technical delegate with the FIA, visited Shanghai and was stunned by the quality of the facilities there.

The all-new Shanghai International Circuit is purpose-built for Formula One and will hold 200,000 fans in futuristic-looking grandstands, with Bauer impressed by what he saw of the work in progress.

He said: “The only word that can describe the Shanghai International Circuit is ‘wow’.

“Bahrain was fantastic but China is a totally new dimension. When you walk into the pit lane, you can’t see the sky, only the 50-metre high grandstand.

“The Chinese are extremely willing to get everything finished faultlessly. Most of the experts, with which I have contact, are between 20 and 30 years old and have a good expertise. I believe the Chinese will put on a great grand prix.”