The inaugural Chinese Grand Prix took place at Shanghai International Circuit in September 2004. The new facility with its massive main grandstands, amazing media facilities and unparalleled team facilities set a new standard that other race circuits must now aspire to.

The facility has enough room around the circuit to host 200,000 spectators, including more than 29,000 in the grandstand opposite the pits. The facilities reached new heights in Shanghai, even if the circuit itself is rather on the dull side.

The pit straight sees speeds over 200mph, in to the opening corner, a long, sweeping, 270 degree right hander that is immediately followed by a right then left. The exit of turn three leads to left/right flicks and speed building back up towards 190 mph on the run down to the hairpin at turn six. A short straight then leads to the long, sweeping turns seven and eight.

Two sharp bends follow, bringing speeds down before a short straight that leads to the tight left of turn eleven. This second gear corner leads in to another long, sweeping, double apex right hander onto the back straight. Being able to follow cars here will allow drivers to attack in to the hairpin at the end of the straight, after drafting at up to 210mph, so overtaking is a possibility here. The two right handers lead to a short straight before the final, 90 degree left hander back on to the pit straight.