Final countdown to China

The final countdown for the Sinopec Chinese Grand Prix has begun as the Circuit has announced it has sold out all the seating allocation, which this year has been kept at 150,000 from a potential 200,000.

Mr Mao Xiao Han, the International Circuit's General Manager is delighted with the progress so far and is confident the Grand Prix will be a great success.

"Everybody has worked magnificently to create a truly memorable event here at the International Circuit. Now that the cars and teams are beginning to arrive, we are getting the feel and look of a F1 racing track, and this makes all those who have been involved in this great project very proud of what they have done and what they have built for the teams, sponsors and spectators."

Meanwhile the preparations for the opening ceremony are underway and the dozens of participants are busy rehearsing all of the activities they will be performing. Martial artists, dancers, schoolchildren and many other performers have been practicing on the main straight, beneath the massive and impressive arches of the grandstand.

The International Circuit is a hive of activity as the teams' equipment has also arrived today. All the crates and cars, neatly packed and labelled in the team's colours, are stacked outside the garages, waiting for teams to arrive.

-sic-