JANUARY 27, 2003

Australian V8s heading for Shanghai

The Shanghai authorities have agreed a five-year deal to host a round of the Australian V8 Supercar series, starting in 2004.

The Chinese are serious about their future commitment to motor racing and with a Formula 1 Grand Prix planned for 2004, the Shanghai authorities have now agreed a five-year deal to host a round of the Australian V8 Supercar series, starting in 2004. The whole series will also be televised in China as part of a six-year TV deal which begins in March. The cars and equipment will be air-freighted to Shanghai. The deal has been put together by the China Development Corporation.

It is not yet clear whether the V8 race will be a stand-alone event or whether it will be run as a support for the Chinese Grand Prix but the indications are that the Australians will have their own event.