China to take pole position in Asia

China is poised to cement its place on the Formula One calendar, just as some Asian nations fall out of love with the sport.

Sources say that Shanghai is poised to extend its contract to host the Chinese Grand Prix, matching local authorities' intention of building on the event's 14-year success.

Malaysia announced last Friday that it will stop hosting F1 races after this season. The southeast Asian country has hosted grands prix for the last 19 years but attendances have dropped in recent seasons.