(GMM) The cost of an average ticket for Sunday's Chinese grand prix is equivalent to almost a month on an average local salary.
With that in mind, and with the F1 novelty of 2004's inaugural race worn off, it's no surprise that near-empty grandstands dotted the gargantuan Shanghai venue on Friday.
The expected influx of Chinese team sponsorship, as well, has fallen well short of formula one's expectations. To that end, a sponsorship event for local Chinese businessmen was held in the city on Friday evening.
''You can have our mobile numbers soon,'' Flavio Briatore said in a speech. ''We are all easy-going people.''
The Renault boss was accompanied by McLaren's Ron Dennis, BAR principal Nick Fry, Mercedes' Norbert Haug, Bernie Ecclestone and Max Mosley.
''When you see what people are doing here,'' Ecclestone, the F1 supremo, said, ''Europe looks like a third world.''
Written: Sat, 15 Oct 2005 07:40:07
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