SHANGHAI INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT INFORMATION AND 2008 RACE PROGRAM
THE 2008 CHINESE FORMULA ONE GRAND PRIX
Formula One, a symbol of global capitalism and glamour if ever there was one, took China by storm for the first time during 2004, when the world's most populous nation hosted a Grand Prix for the first time. Shanghai has planned for the moment for years, spending at least $325 million (US) on the most spectacular, ultra-modern circuit, which was designed as the race circuit of the new millennium. The modern and beautiful Shanghai International Circuit, with its stunning architecture, was planned as China's gateway to the world of Formula One racing.
The Shanghai International Circuit is located about 30km outside the city of Shanghai, the most notorious of Chinese cities, once known as the Paris of the East, but now calls itself the Pearl of the Orient. No other city can better capture the urgency and excitement of China's economic reform, understandably because Shanghai is at the center of it.
SHANGHAI CIRCUIT INFORMATION
General information
The circuit was, as with many other new Formula One circuits, designed by German expert Hermann Tilke and features a giant wing building of 140 metres wide, which spans the main straight. Contrary to popular belief, the resemblance of the track layout with the Chinese character shang, which means 'above', was not intentional, but rather coincidental. Construction of the circuit commenced during 2002 and the construction crews had to overcome serious problems with the marshy ground at the site. More than 2 million cubic meters of earth were moved and 40,000 foundation piles were driven into the ground but quickly the facility rose up from the old paddy fields. The work involved several ground-breaking technologies in the construction industry.
The impressive Shanghai International circuit has an overall length of 5,451km and features 7 left and 7 righthand turns. The circuit was designed to maximise spectator viewing and racing excitement. The circuit is very wide and also features some very fast straights, which all makes the overtaking opportunities so much better. The Shanghai International Circuit is an impressive facility, with a combination of technically challenging corners without being too high speed. It was well designed and it has some features that are unique, especially the long corners. Turn 1 is so long that the cars almost complete an entire circle so the drivers need to be committed to stay on the limit all the way round without making a mistake.
What the drivers say
The circuit, with its two long straights and both very fast and slow corners; is demanding for brakes and engines. More than 70 percent of the almost 5.5km lap will be run under full throttle. At the end of the start-finish straight there is a very long right-hander and there is another one at the back end of the circuit. The main consequence of these two unique corners is that they put the emphasis on graining and wear on the front left tyre. At Turn 1 the cars will see to the highest loads on the steering system from the entire Formula 1 season mainly as a result of the combination of very high cornering and braking demands, which the cars are subjected to.
At the other end of the circuit, the exit from the second long right-hander is crucial for speed along the long straight. Good downforce is well rewarded, too much drag leaves cars vulnerable to be passed on the back straight. Accordingly, good power permits more wing. Similarly, the tight corners reward good mechanical grip through the turns whilst drivability is important to get away afterwards.
RACING PROGRAM AND EVENT TIMETABLE
Although not yet finalised for 2008, we have included the 2006 Formula 1 program, to give you an idea of what the event timetable should look like. Except for the two Friday free practices sessions, which will be extended to two 90 minute sessions for 2008, we do not expect any other major changes from the 2006 program.
So please take note that the following 2006 program and timetable could change for 2008.
FRIDAY
| 11h00 12h00 |
Formula One GP |
First Free Practice Session |
| 12h30 13h00 |
Formula BMW Asia |
Practice Session |
| 14h00 15h00 |
Formula One GP |
Second Free Practice Sessions |
| 15h30 16h00 |
Porsche Carrera Cup |
First Practice Session |
| 16h30 17h00 |
Asia Formula Renault |
Practice Session |
| 17h30 18h00 |
Porsche Carrera Cup |
Second Practice Session |
SATURDAY
| 11h00 12h00 |
Formula 1 |
Third Practice Session |
| 12h25 13h10 |
Porsche Carrera Cup |
Qualifying Session |
| 14h00 15h00 |
Formula 1 |
Qualifying Session |
| 15h40 16h15 |
Formula BMW Asia |
Qualifying Session |
| 17h00 17h30 |
Asia Formula Renault |
Qualifying Session |
SUNDAY
| 09h00 09h30 |
Asia Formula Renault |
Race |
| 10h00 10h30 |
Formula BMW Asia |
Race |
| 11h00 11h30 |
Porsche Carrera Cup |
Race |
| 12h30 |
Formula 1 GP |
Drivers Parade |
| 12h45 13h05 |
Formula One |
Grid Presentation |
| 13h30 |
Formula One |
Pit Lane Open |
| 13h45 |
Formula One |
Pit Lane Close |
| 13h46 |
Formula One |
National Anthem |
| 14h00 |
Formula 1 |
Formula 1 Sinopec Chinese Grand Prix 2006 (56 laps) |
