Shanghai gets passionate about Formula One

Who says the Chinese don't show emotion? Not Shanghai International Circuit (SIC) who dispelled the myth with the announcement of F1 Passion, a carnival-style party to bring the FIA Formula One World Championship 2005 to a close after the second Chinese Grand Prix on October 16.

Yesterday (Thursday 14th) more than a hundred national and international journalists and broadcasters gathered at the Peace Hotel, downtown Shanghai to hear Yu Zhifei, General Manager of SIC's Management and Development company redefine sporting passion.

Speaking at the press conference he said: "In the past year, sports fans in China have really got behind motorsport and Formula One has a rapidly growing fan base here, I thought it would be good to give our supporters something in return. This party represents the very essence of the sport, passion."

"Alongside the Olympics and the World Cup, Formula One is one of very few truly global sports. We believe this year's race will be even more entertaining than last year with lots of action both on and off the track to keep Chinese motorsport fans coming back for more. What better way to end a great weekend's racing than with a proper F1 party capturing the spirit of both the sport and Chinese culture."

The event will take place in the Shanghai stadium and will feature a wide variety of entertainment with Danish rock band, Michael Learns To Rock (MLTR) headlining. The act enjoy a huge following in China and their set will mark their second performance of the day following a brief appearance at SIC prior to the race.

Naturally drivers, teams and key personnel from Formula One will be invited to the carnival alongside prominent personalities from across China. The event will bring the 2005 season to a close in a fusion of true Chinese and Formula One style.

-khp-