China made its appearance on the Formula One calendar in 2004 along with Bahrain. In six seasons of racing, the country’s Shanghai International Circuit has produced six different drivers who have taken the top step of the podium.
Another feather in the cap for Hermann Tilke, the Shanghai track is shaped like the Chinese character ‘shang’ that means ‘high’ or ‘above’. Other parts of the circuit too take inspiration from Chinese history. Even the grandstands are thoroughly planned, specifically the main grandstand which provides a view of almost 80 per cent of the circuit.
Moreover, it has managed to leave many people in the paddock awestruck with its facilities, despite the fact that it has been constructed over swampland.
The track itself provides a challenge to the driver. In Sector 3 for instance, it offers a long straight followed by a hairpin which provides an opportunity for overtaking, a sequence typical of a Tilke design. One unique feature of the circuit presents itself after the start-finish straight. Turn 1 is not the usual right-hander; instead, it curves into Turn 2 followed by an immediate hairpin at Turn 3 laying emphasis on the technicality and mechanical grip of the cars. For these reasons, it is no surprise that it has produced six different race winners in the six races held here.