OCTOBER 25, 2002

The battle between Beijing and Shanghai

Although Shanghai has won the contract to host the Chinese Grand Prix for seven years between 2004 and 2010, there is still much talk in the Chinese newspapers of a bid for a Grand Prix by Beijing. How this could happen is not clear but the that has not stopped the stories.

The foundations of a $120 million racing circuit were laid in Beijing this week and the organisers say that the track will be suitable for F1. It is possible that the Beijing track will bid for the Chinese GP in 2011 and beyond which will be after the planned Olympic Games. Until then, Beijing will be building up its infrastructure which is still not good enough for a Formula 1.