A1 Grand Prix of Nations 2008/09

CHENGDU INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT CHINA

Overview:

This relatively new circuit is located in Sichuan Province, in the southwest of China, some 943 from the capital Beijing.

The circuit holds an FIA Grade 2 approval for the standard international track, and is able to host various motorsport championships, such as GP2 (GP2 Circuit), A1, FIA GT and other domestic and international automobile and motorcycle races.

The circuit has been designed with a top speed of 280kph, and has a generous width. Some parts of the track are upto 22 metres wide, lessening to 12 metres at its narrowest, allowing plenty of space for wheel-to-wheel action.

It will be the fourth different circuit in China to have hosted an A1 Grand Prix race.

A press release on the 26th August announced the change in venue to Chengdu for the Chinese round of the A1 Grand Prix 2008/09, and also a date change to 7-9th November, which moves it to the second race of the season. A1 Grand Prix have announced that proceeds from the event will go to the the Sichuan Earthquake Relief Fund.

Specifications:

Location: Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
Circuit Length: 3.367 kms
Longest Straight: 830m
Track Width: 12-22m
Turns: 14
Laps: TBA
Direction: Clockwise
Lap record:
Address: Shi Sheng Road, Jin Jiang, 610023,

History:

Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan, in the southwest of China. This ‘City of Abundance’ is the fifth most populous city in China, with over 100 million people living there. It is a city that is known for its magnificent historical features and for being the most important economic, transportation and communications hub in China.

This great city is also known for its handicraft especially the intricate brocades and delicate embroideries, which have been honed since the Han and Tang Dynasties, as well as its bronze culture which has now become an indispensable part of ancient Chinese culture.

One of the most recognised features of Chengdu has to be its delectable, spicy hot pot Sichuan food,one of the most outstanding in Chinese cuisines.

Chengdu City is also home to quite a few international hotel chains including, Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, Sofitel Chengdu, Chengdu Lido Sheraton, Kempinski Hotel and the Shangri-La Hotel. Chengdu's luxury hotels provide world class service at very reasonable prices. Business and leisure travellers can expect, at a minimum, to find fluent English speaking staff, Western and Chinese restaurants, full conference facilities, business centre, sauna and concierge service at all of these hotels.

Directions:

West of the Sichuan Basin and 16km southwest of the centre of Chengdu City, it takes approximately 20 minutes from the Shuangliu International Airport.
From Tianfu Square,in Chengdu City take the South Renmin road and exit at the Third Ring road. Then head towards Shi Sheng Road to get to the circuit.