China: Shanghai track facts

By Phil Huff
September 27 2006

Formula One returns to Shanghai for the third Chinese Grand Prix. Designed by track design guru Hermann Tilke, the Shanghai International Circuit is 5.451km, and is shaped like the Chinese character 'shang' standing for 'high' or 'above'.

It comprises seven left and seven right turns that boast several overtaking opportunities, in particular at the multi-apex turn one and at the end of the back straight.

The average speed is approximately 205 km/h, while the longest straight – over a kilometre in length – lies between turns 13 and 14. Here, cars should reach their maximum speed, in excess of 330 km/h in dry conditions. There is a maximum uphill gradient of 3% and a maximum downhill of 8% and the hugely impressive facility can seat up to 200,000 people.

The inaugural Chinese Grand Prix saw BAR Honda secure their best ever finish, until Hungary of this year, with a total of 11 points coming from the podium finishing Jenson Button and his points scoring team mate Takuma Sato - and that was despite Sato starting from 18th on the grid following an engine change.

Last years event was less successful, with Button and Sato lining up fourth and 17th on the grid. A difficult race saw Takuma retire with gearbox problems, while Jenson slipped back down to eighth.