(GMM) China's first ever grand prix is sold out.
Organisers in Shanghai said about $36 million has been made by selling all of the available 150,000 tickets for Sunday's event.
''It's a decent sum,'' said the track's Yu Zhifei.
He didn't want to say exactly how much the race has cost.
''All I can say,'' said the deputy general manager, ''is that Shanghai (will make) a great achievement through the event.''
The circuit cost is estimated at more than $300 million.
But it's worth every cent, said Mercedes' Norbert Haug, as China is hosting maybe the 'most important race' in motorsport history.
BMW counterpart Dr Mario Theissen agrees, as does BAR-Honda boss David Richards, who said the race will 'broaden (F1's) horizon.'
But he denied he'll get an influx of Chinese corporate interest.
Richards said it's more likely 'to attract sponsors in the West' who are hoping to get a foothold among China's burgeoning market.
Written: Mon, 20 Sep 2004 11:04:04
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