Sauber at Shanghai circuit

Sauber Petronas driver Felipe Massa and test driver Neel Jani raised adrenaline at the Petronas Shanghai International Race Festival 2004 today, as they further revved up the excitement for Chinese fans prior to the inaugural Formula One Chinese Grand Prix on 26 September 2004 in Shanghai. The 23 year-old Brazilian and the 20 year-old Swiss reached speeds of 270 kph in the Sauber Petronas C22 on a specially created 2.8 kilometre road course in the district of Pudong.

The Sauber Petronas Formula One demonstration was part of an action-packed weekend in the heart of Shanghai which also included special presentations and appearances by fellow Petronas motorsport teams, Foggy Petronas Racing (World Superbike Championship) and Petronas Eon Racing (Malaysian Rally Championship). The runs added thrills and spills to the main highlight of the festival, the German Touring Car race (DTM).

"I'm very proud to show to the enthusiastic citizens of Shanghai and China what Formula One is all about," said Massa after his demonstration runs. "Honestly, I really enjoyed the opportunity to give the people a feeling of the passion, speed and sound that are such key elements of our sport. Formula One has a massive following and this year China will become a member of the family as it hosts the 16th round of the 18-race FIA Formula One World Championship."

Neel Jani added: "I really enjoyed my chance to visit the Shanghai International Circuit and I'm very impressed by this huge and ultra-modern facility. The race will certainly be a big challenge. Those attending the event in September will experience the thrilling atmosphere of the FIA Formula One World Championship at close quarters."

Petronas also used the festival to announce the launch of its range of premium grade automotive and motorcycle engine oils in China on 14 July 2004, officially entering the country's lubricants market.

Petronas' Vice-President of Oil Business, Datuk Anuar Ahmad said: "We are following up this launch with title sponsorship of the Shanghai International Race Festival 2004. This sponsorship gives us an excellent communications tool for building awareness of our brand and it opens up some good business opportunities for the Petronas group. To be able to demonstrate Formula One on the streets of Shanghai to the local population is an excellent way to prepare them for their first ever Formula One Grand Prix in September."

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