F1 stars arrive in Shanghai for China GP
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-09-22 22:05

World champion Michael Schumacher caught most of attention among a host of Formula One stars who have arrived in Shanghai since Tuesday as the city enters final preparatory stage for the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix.

Ferrari's seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher (R) and teammate Rubens Barrichello react to a question during a press conference in Shanghai, September 22, 2004. [newsphoto]

Schumacher, together with his teammate Rubens Barrichello, finally appeared publicly in a Ferrari news conference on Wednesday after keeping all the local media and fans guessing for a couple of days.

Montoya also turned up in a commercial activity earlier this day. With drivers coming in succession, the ready-to-go Shanghai Grand Prix enters its climax.

The two F1 tire suppliers Bridgestone and Michelin both held publicity events with drivers showing up.

Only one day is left for drivers to adapt themselves to the track before Friday's practice session. In the following days, the drivers will have tight schedules with their teams and sponsors besides the race during their stay in Shanghai. Team are keen to maximize the publicity value of their entry into what F1 is hailing as its most promising market.

Ferrari's seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher answers questions during a press conference in Shanghai, September 22, 2004. [newsphoto]

Schumacher and Barrichello are going to have a taste of the state-of-the-art circuit on Thursday, where teams are setting up the pit lanes.

Shanghai, keen to embrace China's first-ever Formula One event, is putting the final touches in preparation. Workers are still busy on the track to make sure temporary structures in position while 2,000 police plus another 2,000 security men will be disposed out and in the race venue.

The 5.4-kilometer-long track, designed by prolific German Hermann Tilke, was built at the cost of US$ 320 million dollars according to the latest report. Over 15,000 spectators are expected to be on hand for the race, and traffic control will be executed to insure the transport.

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