Analysis: China Revs Up for First F1 Weekend

The timetable in the Shanghai hotel lobby detailed the weekend's Formula One action for guests.

After 'first rehearsals' for the historic first Chinese Grand Prix, fans could look forward to 'first and second round games' on Saturday, followed by the 'final' on Sunday.

If locals have not quite grasped the nuances of the glamour sport, making its historic debut in a country with little motorsport tradition and where mass car ownership is a relatively recent phenomenon, they are not lacking in enthusiasm.

"They are quite enthusiastic about Formula One as far as I can see from the fans I have had contact with," said Ferrari's seven times World Champion Michael Schumacher.

"It's quite good to see, coming to a new country with such an impressive set-up, that emotion and interest in our sport is there in the way it is," added the German, who faced an unusual line of questions in his first news conference in the world's most populous country on Wednesday.

Organisers say the race at the breathtaking $325 million Shanghai circuit is a sellout, with an initial run of 150,000 tickets exhausted in August and another 10,000 subsequently made available.

Although the circuit can seat 200,000, the crowd has been restricted to ease traffic problems for a debut likely to be watched by a potential television audience of hundreds of millions. The English-language Shanghai Daily reported that the black market price for a 3,700 yuan ($450) ticket was now more than 10,000 yuan.

Traffic Nightmare

Formula One fever may not have broken out but there are plenty of reminders about the big event, with billboards for products ranging from beer to engine oil making the F1 connection.

BAR have linked up with the cultural hub of Xintiandi to celebrate Shanghai Tourism Week with a Formula One themed display using laser effects, giant screens and fireworks. A show car is on display among a cluster of trendy cafes.

Formula One has also eagerly embraced the latest arrival on a crowded calendar.

Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya was one of several drivers to visit the Great Wall of China before arriving in Shanghai while Williams teammate Ralf Schumacher said he had enjoyed lessons in tea-making.

"The first day I organised a city guide and made the tour through the city which was quite interesting," said the German, returning after a three-month injury layoff.

"Good food, nice people, the traffic is a mess, it is a bit dangerous to cross the street, but apart from that it has been brilliant," he added.

The circuit 40km northwest of Shanghai earned rave reviews from drivers after the first day of practice on Friday, with Ferrari's Schumacher enthusing about the layout.

"It has been done very interestingly, pretty unique," he said. "I'm quite happy to be here and to enjoy and experience this adventure."

Brazilian teammate Rubens Barrichello marvelled more at the anarchic traffic, with the ubiquitous Volkswagen taxis jostling with trucks and vans in a constant changing of lanes.

"They say Brazilian drivers are good because of the traffic, they should have many drivers here. They should be all in Formula One. Unbelievable," he said.