f1 circuit in shanghai

Ferrari comes to Shanghai as F1 circuit is completed

Shanghai. (Interfax-China) -World famous sports and racecar maker, Ferrari Maserati Group, opened a new showroom on Shanghai's prestigious Nanjing West Road on June 5, signaling Shanghai's commitment to forging an international reputation based on motor sports. One day later the city held a grand opening ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Shanghai International Circuit where China's first F1 Grand Prix will be held in September.

Ferrari has spared no expense to establish its presence in Shanghai. A parade of 39 Ferrari and Maserati cars from all over China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia and other Asian countries plied the streets of Shanghai in a procession toward the city's most famous feature, The Bund. The parade attracted ten of thousands of Shanghai's residents, who were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of one of Ferrari's most famous models, the 'Ferrari Enzo'.

Jean Todt, general manager of Ferrari, announced a new joint venture between Ferrari Maserati Group, Poly Group and Wo Kee Hong at the Ferrari showroom opening ceremony attended by Interfax. Richard Lee, chairman of Italian Motors, was named chairman of the new joint venture. Italian Motors, owned by Wo Kee Hong, currently imports Ferraris and Maseratis in Hong Kong.

Since Italian Motors first came to China in 1993, 150 Ferrari and Maserati cars have been sold. With the official opening of this mainland branch, Ferrari and its partners plan to establish a national sales network, with outlets for sales and services to follow in Nanjing, Dalian, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Wuhan, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, according to Lee.

Ferrari Maserati Group also launched its new Ferrari 612 Scaglietti in Shanghai on June 5. This brand new model starred at the opening ceremony of the Shanghai International Circuit the next day, as part of a parade group appearing on the new racetrack. Ferrari hero Michael Schumacher, however, did not appear, despite the organizer saying he would. F1 legend Gerhard Berger was in Shanghai instead.

According to the 2004 Events Schedule released by the FIA, the inaugural Shanghai Grand Prix will take place on September 26, 2004.