Chinese Grand Prix eyes 2024 return as Shanghai circuit gets Grade One status

Shanghai International circuit regains Grade One license to host F1 races

The FIA granted Shanghai International Circuit a Grade One license, allowing the circuit to host Formula 1 races once again.

This news comes as a relief for Chinese F1 fans who have been eagerly anticipating the return of the Chinese Grand Prix since it was last held in 2019.

The FIA's decision to restore the licence comes after remedial and maintenance work was carried out at the circuit, following an assessment by the Federation of Automobile and Motorcycle Sports of China in August 2022.

Maintenance work restores the circuit to Grade One license

The previous license held by Shanghai International Circuit expired at the end of 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic prevented FIA representatives from traveling to complete their inspection.

However, circuit manager Juss Sports has reported that maintenance work has been carried out around the circuit since last year, resulting in a Grade One license being reinstated for another three-year term.

The work included fixes for the blemishes in the track surface, partial repair of tire walls, repainting of the underground connecting tunnel, refreshing of grandstand seats, and improvements to the outfield area.

Chinese GP expected to return in 2024

The Chinese Grand Prix was canceled in 2023 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but it is anticipated that the race will return in 2024.

Local organizers have a deal with F1 until 2025, following a contract extension in late 2021.

If the race is confirmed for 2024, an FIA inspector will return to the circuit to carry out the final examination a month before the event.

Celebrating 20 years of F1 in China

Should the Chinese GP get the green light for 2024, the local race promoter is planning celebratory events to mark the 20th anniversary of the first F1 race in the country.

The Chinese Grand Prix has been held at Shanghai International Circuit since 2004, making it an important part of the F1 calendar.

It is the only track in China with a Grade One license, making it the sole venue to host a grand prix.

Positive response from FIA and local promoter

Speaking about the reinstatement of Shanghai International Circuit's Grade One license, a spokesperson for the FIA said:

"We are pleased to have reinstated the Grade One license for Shanghai International Circuit. The remedial and maintenance work carried out by the circuit management has been of a high standard, and we look forward to inspecting the circuit again before the anticipated return of the Chinese Grand Prix in 2024."

Meanwhile, a local race promoter said: "We are excited at the prospect of hosting the Chinese Grand Prix once again. We are working hard to ensure that the 20th anniversary of the first F1 race in China is a memorable occasion for fans of motorsport in our country."

"We look forward to welcoming teams and drivers back to Shanghai International Circuit."