Number of laps: 56
DRS-zones: 2
Circuit Length: 5.451km
Lap Record: 1:32.238
Race distance: 305.066km
FP1
APR 19 11:30
SPRINT QU
APR 19 15:30
SPRINT
APR 20 11:00
QU
APR 20 15:00
Race
APR 21 15:00
New technology helps repair surface at Shanghai International Circuit
The Shanghai International Circuit has completed its track repair and environment upgrade, in readiness for the 2024 F1 Chinese Grand Prix to be held from April 19 to 21.
To welcome the return of the top-tier motorsport race, the circuit has received five inspections from FOM, FIA and third-party agents since last year and obtained the Grade 1 circuit licence.
When fixing the bumpy road section above some tunnels, the circuit adopted a new renovation method that combines 3D printing and machinery.
Machine measurement and precise solution calculation can complete asphalt repair, grinding, sealing and other steps in one go, greatly improving efficiency.
"We are the first company to do this in all F1 circuits around the world," said Juss Sports Center public affairs manager Xu Jiayi.
"In the future, this solution combination may be applied to other F1 tracks, as well as the track repair and maintenance for more international and domestic races."
The circuit also upgraded the environment of the waterscape square at the entrance to give a brand-new experience for spectators.
The renovation also involved greening, parking areas, sidewalks, water and electricity projects, covering a total area of 325,000 square meters.
After the Chinese Grand Prix in April, Shanghai International Circuit will continue with the construction of its Stand B and Stand E areas.
With a total of 22,300 seats, the two stands are expected to be completed in November. From there, spectators can see the overtaking and action from Turn 1 to Turn 4, Turns 11 to 13, as well as the cars leaving the pit lane.
Formula 1 returns to China for the first time since 2019, featuring ground-effect cars on the Shanghai International Circuit, posing challenges for teams due to limited testing.
The Chinese Grand Prix serves as the venue for the inaugural sprint race of the 2024 season, and Christian Horner warns about the immense pressure on the front left tires of the cars.
Concerns about drain hole covers dislodging and potential traction issues prompt drivers like Carlos Sainz, Max Verstappen, and Sergio Perez to advocate for excluding the Sprint weekend from China.
Potential traction issues on freshly resurfaced sections of the track, similar to those encountered in Istanbul in 2020, have prompted several drivers, including Carlos Sainz, Max Verstappen, and Sergio Perez, to advocate for excluding the Sprint weekend from China due to potential issues that may arise.
The circuit features high-speed corners and demanding braking zones across various sections, notably in Turns 11 to 13. Horner also draws attention to serious concerns regarding the front left tires of the cars, which will come under immense pressure and experience heightened degradation.
Saturday is expected to be wet, should be an interesting weekend
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