Formula 1: a new benchmark

The style is on a scale with this country’s excesses: seen from the air, Shanghai’s new Formula 1 circuit depicts the world’s largest ideogram. Apparently inspired, Tilke, the German company entrusted with designing this circuit, came up with a series of bends that form the character Shang (above), which, next to the character Hai (sea), spells the name of China’s economic capital, Shanghai (which of course, means above the sea). Speeding around this 5.451 kilometer circuit fifty-six times at more than 300kph, the single seaters will not be stopping to admire this subtle and elegant touch. But that is not the issue. With four years to go before organizing the next Olympic Games, china’s first-ever grand prix made a much noticed appearance on the international calendar. And it has set a new benchmark in its field. Half of the over 150,000 or so spectators cam from Shanghai, while the other half were from Beijing or abroad. It was a success all the way down the line, and also allowed ELF lubricants Chinese subsidiary to promote its relationship with Renault and Nissan, thanks to the partnership between the brand and the Renault Formula 1 team.


Article by: ELF Lub International Magazine N° 12 - Winter 2004/2005