Chinese Track Gets Button's Approval

Formula One drivers Jenson Button and Ralf Schumacher have been impressed with the new Shanghai International Circuit after visiting China, following the completion of the 2003 season.

BAR-Honda's Button joined his team principal David Richards in attending the circuit on Monday, while Williams driver Schumacher had a virtual drive on the new track using a simulator.

"I think it's a very fast track and looks very good for overtaking, even more exciting than Hockenheim, which is known for its fast track," Button told a press conference.

"What I got to understand from the simulation drive is that this is among the most challenging races," said German Schumacher. "With a tough combination of high-speed and low-speed corners, it poses a real test to the ability of the racers."

Richards was impressed by the 7,000 individuals working on the completion of the circuit, which will host the inaugural China Grand Prix on September 26 next year.

"We were told there were 7,000 people working on the site," said Richards. "I've never seen a circuit of such scale and the efforts and technologies put into the construction are just like what we applied to a Formula One car itself."