Richards and Button to visit China

They're off to China
By Phil Huff (09/10/2003)
October 9 2003

Following this weekends Japanese Grand Prix, Lucky Strike BAR Honda Team Principal, David Richards and Race Driver, Jenson Button, will embark on a two-day tour of China, ahead of the country's inaugural Formula One race on 26 September 2004.

Jenson will be carrying out interviews and appearances for Chinese press and broadcast media in Shanghai and Beijing, and will also take the opportunity to explore some of China's spectacular landmarks. David will be meeting with senior Government officials and business leaders, and investigating plans for promoting next year's Chinese Grand Prix, to be held at the Shanghai International Circuit.

In July this year, BAR announced a long-term partnership with Chinese internet portal SINA. The leading online media information service will host the Chinese language team website, www.barf1.com.cn, which is due to go live in early November.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Richards remarked "This is a very exciting trip for myself and Jensen, because China offers so many new and uncharted opportunities. The potential there is enormous, in fact next year's race has the opportunity to almost double the sport's existing audience. We have already formed a close partnership with SINA, who have realised the potential Formula One has to offer as a worldwide marketing tool. We are now looking at ways to expand further into the market and raise BAR's profile in China."