Schumacher, other F1 stars arrive in Shanghai
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-09-22 17:10

World champion Michael Schumacher arrived in Shanghai on Wednesday, along with a host of other Formula One stars, as preparations got underway for the debut of the Chinese Grand Prix.

Michael Schumacher reacts to a question during a news conference in Shanghai September 22, 2004. [Reuters]

Ahead of Sunday's race, drivers will attend a series of glitzy publicity events while Shanghai has been showered in posters and promotions for Formula One's entry into what the sport is hailing as its most promising new market.

At the sprawling US$240 million (euro 197 million) track on the city's western edge, teams were setting up in the pit lanes, with colorful chassis parts and other equipment sitting in front of the spacious garages.

Shanghai's facilities offer more than twice the area that teams are usually provided to work on their cars _ enough to work on up to five cars, although teams only travel with three. Ferrari took the prime spot at the top of the pit lane, where its drivers will be able to pull in first to add fuel and change tires.

Outside, workers put the final touches on concession stands, sponsors' pavilions, and other temporary structures. Shanghai organizers say tickets have sold out and about 200,000 people are expected to be on hand for the race.

With Schumacher and Ferrari already having won the season, the last three races are essentially a competition for second and third between Renault and BAR-Honda.

Former World Champion Jacques Villeneuve will be returning with third-place Renault, determined to overcome his former teammates at BAR-Honda, which is running second. Villeneuve replaces Jarno Trulli, who left to join Toyota but will miss the final races of the season.

The race is also expected to see the return of Ralf Schumacher, Michael's brother, to the Williams team following a six-race absence after crashing into a wall at the US Grand Prix in Indianapolis in June. 

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