China GP In Doubt Due to Track Subsidence?

Not only old, historic racing venues in Europe need millions of euros for upgrading their F1 facilities, but also newcomers such as China. Having debuted in Formula 1 back in 2004, the Shanghai International Circuit has now become the site of some improvement work due to subsidence of the track surface.

After the International Automobile Federation (FIA) announced the calendar for the 2011 Formula 1 Championship, the Chinese round was listed as “provisional”. And that was because it was believed the circuit needed improvements in the areas of track surface and rain drainage. However, as confirmed by circuit officials earlier this week, it seems the real problem is track subsidence.

“There should be no problem,” insisted however Yang Yibin, manager of race promoter Juss Event, according to Shanghai Daily. “We've communicated well with the FIA, our plan has been approved and the Grand Prix will be on time.”

Subsidence of the track surface means that it suffered damage due to the downwards movement of the ground, and could be explained by the location where the Shanghai International Circuit has been built. Before the F1 facility was constructed, the place used to be a swampland. Apparently, the track damage happened in turns 1, 8 and 14.

“Subsidence is normal because of the soft soil in Shanghai, which the circuit was built above,” added Yang, while supported by circuit engineering manager Sun Liang. “Because some parts of the circuit are on the ground while some parts are not, as time goes by it's normal for some subsidence,” said Liang, according to the Oriental Morning Post.

Approval from the FIA for hosting the 2011 F1 round is pending an inspection from the governing body, scheduled for March.