Chinese marshals getting ready for action

A team of 900 volunteer marshals is approaching the end of an intensive training programme to prepare them for the Chinese Grand Prix on 26 September. Under the guidance of specialists from the Motorsport Association of Portugal, a total of 600 track, 150 fire and 150 medical marshals have been put through a rigorous regime to equip them with the skills and knowledge they will need for Shanghai's race. The specialist trainers were chosen both for their tuition skills and for their extensive race experience.

Shanghai skyline.

Photo by ITR e.V..

The marshals' preparation began back in March this year, with an introduction to racing and safety. Then, at the China Circuit Championship rounds, the volunteers had the chance to put their training into practice, carefully supervised by Portuguese Eduardo Pinto and Louis de Pinto, who gave the volunteers their support and advice throughout the races.

The Portuguese are due back in Shanghai later this month to carry out further specialist sessions which will include instruction on incident clearance, fire-fighting, communication systems and racing terminology, with marshals attending lectures and practical sessions using the F1 track which will be used during the Grand Prix.

To supplement their programme, key members of the team have also visited other circuits to see their counterparts in action, with marshals attending the Australian, Canadian, French and British Grand Prix to broaden their experience.

Describing the extensive training that has been given to all marshals, Mr Edward Guo, SIC Race and Event Manager said: "Through an expert programme provided by the Motorsport Association of Portugal, we have constructed a highly-motivated team of some 800 marshals who will strive to be among the best in Formula One."

Grand Prix Ball

The Organising Committee of the Formula One World Championship Chinese Grand Prix has announced that they will host the official 2004 Chinese Grand Prix Ball on Friday 24 September. The event will take place at Shanghai's premier ballroom, located at the Oriental Riverside Hotel and is set to be the social highlight of the city's Grand Prix week.

Guests at the event will include senior Chinese government dignitaries, F1 drivers, team principals and representatives from the organising committee, as well as an array of international and Chinese celebrity guests from entertainment, fashion and sport.

The Ball will include a charity auction of autographed racesuits, helmets and other memorabilia and dinner will be an exciting blend of eastern and western cuisines, with a renowned British chef working alongside a leading chef from Shanghai.

As the Grand Prix approaches, the level of excitement in the city is rising and demand for tables at the Ball is increasing rapidly. For further details, please visit the event's website, www.ChineseGPBall.com.

Jenson Button visits the Circuit

On 17 August, Jenson Button became the first Formula One driver to take a car round the Shanghai Circuit. Apart from the Grand Prix track, Shanghai Circuit offers several alternative configurations and Jenson was able to experience one of these at first hand, driving a Honda Accord V6. Clearly impressed with the Circuit and high-tech facilities, Jenson is now looking forward to trying out the Grand Prix Circuit itself when Formula One comes to the city in September.

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