The Shanghai Int'l Circuit will host the Chinese GP through at least '20.GETTY IMAGES
Formula 1 will return to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV this season, according to MOTORSPORT WEEK. In a new multi-year deal, all qualifying sessions and races will be shown on CCTV, with more than 100 hours of live coverage expected. China is regarded as "an important market for Formula 1 due to its population and its current growth." The Chinese Grand Prix has been held at the Shanghai Int'l Circuit since '04 and its current contract runs through '20. It was also confirmed that Shanghai will host a multi-day fan festival in the build-up to this year's GP. F1 Dir of Strategy Yath Gangakumaran said, "China is a key market for Formula 1 where we have an ambitious plan to significantly grow the fan base and deepen engagement with our sport. Increasing the reach of F1 through this agreement with CCTV is a crucial component of the plan. ... In the coming months, there shall be more announcements related to the China growth strategy" (MOTORSPORT WEEK, 3/21).
