Zoom Trouble filling the stands in China

Another official of China's annual Formula One race has played down suggestions the Grand Prix in Shanghai might be in doubt beyond 2010.

Qiu Weichang, deputy director of the Shanghai Administration of Sports, said recently an 'assessment' is taking place as to whether the current contract will be renewed.

F1 Chief Executive Bernie Ecclestone reacted by vowing to 'help' China stay on the calendar.

But Leon Sun, a high ranking official of the Shanghai race's organisers Juss Events, believes the meaning of Qiu's comments about the loss-making and poorly attended Grand Prix was lost in translation.

"I would say it's likely it will stay after 2010," he clarified to Reuters. "Formula one has only been here for five years.

"We think Formula One is a very good product, a very good event for Shanghai city so at least from our company's point of view we want to continue promoting and building the event.

"Research shows there are more and more race fans in China, so I don't think we will say no to the Formula One Grand Prix," he added.

Sun did, however, admit that more 'internal discussions' will take place before contract renewal talks with Ecclestone begin.

Source: GMM
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