SEPTEMBER 8, 2001

China must be patient

AS Formula 1 looks further afield for new venues to replace existing European events on its calendar, China has been ordered to be patient as it bids for Grand Prix status.

Russia and the Middle East are jostling for position to be awarded a Grand Prix, but China is another long-term contender and a place to which the Formula 1 marketing industry is keen to flock as commercial interests begin to find a foothold.

The existing Zuhai circuit, built with the intention of bringing Formula 1 to China, is still a long way from reaching the exacting standards of the sport and it is felt that there is more potential in a new facility built nearer to a major commercial center such as Peking.

"I imagine that it will take at least two to three years for that to happen," said Bernie Ecclestone.