A guide to the Shanghai International Grand Prix Circuit
The Shanghai International Circuit meets all FIA racing circuit standards, boasts cutting-edge technology and amenities for spectators and racing teams alike. The Chinese organisers have spared no cost in building a breath-taking circuit, as well as the complex surrounding it. The area of the Shanghai International Circuit covers a total area of 5.3km² (2.0mi²). Half of this is taken up by the racing track, with the rest of the area being used for commerce, trading and entertainment.
The circuit itself was designed by famous circuit architects Hermann Tilke and Peter Wahl, of Germany, who most recently designed the Sepang racing circuit in Malaysia and the new Hockenheim circuit in Germany. The Shanghai International Circuit is 5.45km (3.41mi) in length, with seven left and seven right hand corners and two straights, the longest of which being 1.89km (1.18mi) in length. At the end of this straight, cars are estimated to have to decelerate from 327kph (204mph) to 87kph (54mph), as they pass the Lotus grandstand.
The circuit will be demanding, for both driver and car, as its changes from acceleration and deceleration, with the tight turns and high-speed straights. With plenty of overtaking opportunities, the race should be a spectator’s dream as well. The Chinese Grand Prix race itself, will be run on 56 laps, with a total distance of 302.4km (189.0mi). The predicted average lap time for the circuit is estimated at 1 minutes 34.57 seconds.
The circuit boasts permanent seating for 49,000 spectators. The Grandstand features 29,000 seats, which provide a spectacular view of almost 80% of the racing circuit, heaven for fans! The organizers expect 200,000 spectators for the inaugural race in September 2004, the maximum capacity for the racing circuit.
The Chinese organizers have a lot planned for the new racing circuit and other than hosting the Chinese Grand Prix, it will be used to host a series of other motor racing events: Formula 3000, Formula 3, Formula Asia Championships, sports car racing, touring car racing, motorcycle racing and even kart and drag racing. The circuit will also be used for automobile testing and inspection, as well as non-racing events such as exhibitions, conventions and cultural performances.