It took 18 months and $450 million back in 2004, to turn marshland on the outskirts of Shanghai into China’s Formula One showpiece.
The fastest lap from that first race still holds today, although it was Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari teammate, Rubens Barrichello, who took pole position and that inaugural race win.
The fastest lap in last year’s grand prix set by Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, was almost six seconds off Schumacher’s pace. With a resurfaced track, it’s already looking much quicker this year.
As for the unique layout, it is designed to resemble the Chinese symbol ‘shang’, meaning upwards. The opening two turns are iconic, but the drivers prefer Turns 7 and 8 where things get much quicker.
Meanwhile, the straight between Turns 13 and 14 runs at 1.2km and is one of the longest of the season.
After four DRS zones in Melbourne, we are back down to two this weekend.
Key circuit facts include:
- Circuit length: 5.451km (3.39 miles)
- Laps: 56
- Lap record: 1:32.238 (Michael Schumacher, 2004)
- First GP: 2004
There is much more to read on this Shanghai track with Madeline Coleman’s circuit breakdown, which you can enjoy right here.
