Formula One fans to have track access at Shanghai GP

SHANGHAI: Auto fans will enjoy access to the track and their favorite racers during China's upcoming Formula One Grand Prix, its promoter announced yesterday.

The first of its kind during a formula one race, the novel promotion by the Shanghai International Circuit (SIC) company aims to draw more spectators to the 11-team event from October 5-7.

"The racetrack will be open to spectators right after the racing cars pull into the parking lots," SIC chairman Mao Xiaohan said.

"Fans can get even closer to the drivers at the prize-awarding ceremony."

SIC has been working assiduously to promote this year's event, the fourth since the first in China in 2004.

Last year a frenzy of interest surrounded the retirement of legendary German driver Michael Schumacher.

"The solo performance of the shining Ferrari driver no longer exists, and the competition will be replaced with young prospects struggling for supremacy," Mao said.

During the recent MotoGP, a leading global motorcycling race in Shanghai, the 5,450m track was opened to spectators in a fabulously successful initiative.

SIC has reportedly spent around $20 million a year to gain the rights from the Federation of International Automotive (FIA) and has spent hundreds of millions on hosting the race, prompting the need for better returns through larger attendances.

Construction of the track and related infrastructure cost 3 billion yuan ($394 million), and maintenance is also expensive.

A storm last Friday damaged sections of the grandstands and track guardrails, but the company said spectators who had bought tickets to watch the GP from four damaged stands would be relocated to areas better for viewing.

"We may not repair the damaged stands this year as dismantling the seats, clearing debris and rebuilding work all require time," SIC deputy general manager Wang Ying said before rejecting suggestions it had used lightweight alloys too weak to withstand wind gusts.

To attract more visitors during China's National Day holiday, the promoter intends to crack down on scalpers and sell more low-price tickets.

Gift ticket giveaways are a common practice among many sports in China, but it will be stamped out by the GP organizers in a bid nip scalping in the bud.

The company also plans to sell 4,000 to 5,000 low-price tickets to attract young spectators, while also launching a high-end stateroom service to increase profits from corporate supporters.

(China Daily 08/08/2007 page22)