Shanghai is situated in the vast delta formed by the Yangtze river as it empties into the East China Sea. China’s leading industrial metropolis is as compelling for its size as for its lack of space. Some 18.7 million people live in the administrative area of Shanghai, 9.4 million of them within the city limits. The administrative area covers 6,340.5 square kilometres, of which the city itself takes up just 550 sq. km. In terms of overall cargo handling, the port topped the world league in 2006 with 537 million tonnes of goods. Driving times from the centre of this booming metropolis to the race track are hard to calculate. Depending on the traffic situation and hotel location, it can range from 30 minutes to two hours.

The Shanghai International Circuit complex reflects the sheer magnitude of the city itself. The drivers’ paddock outclasses those at any other Formula One race track and demands a lot of walking. Opened in 2004, the circuit was built under the direction of Hermann Tilke on a 5.3-square- kilometre area of swampland and completed in a matter of 18 months. Concrete piles between 40 and 80 metres long were driven into the ground, then covered in metre-thick styrofoam and finally earth. The track layout includes seven right-hand and seven left-hand turns. The longest straight is not the start/finish section but lies between turns 13 and 14 – a full-throttle stretch measuring a good 1.3 kilometres. The layout is inspired by the Chinese character “Shang”, which translates as “high” or “above”. Traditional Chinese style elements were also integrated into the architecture of the futuristic pit lane and grandstands.

Winner 2006: Michael Schumacher, Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro 1 hr 37:32.747 min

Pole position 2006: Fernando Alonso, Mild Seven Renault F1 Team 1:44.360 min

Fastest lap 2006: Fernando Alonso, Mild Seven Renault F1 Team 1:37.586 min

Current lap record: Michael Schumacher, Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro 1:32.238 min (2004)

Data (2006 race):

Full throttle percentage: 61%

Top speed: 312 km/h

Longest stretch at full throttle: 19 sec / 1,360 m

Right-/Left-handers: 9/7

Gear changes per lap: 50

Tyre wear: medium

Brake wear: low

Grip level: high