Shanghai International Circuit track map, 2019

Shanghai International Circuit information

The enormous Shanghai International Circuit facility was constructed to host China’s first Formula One race in 2004. Built at a cost of £132m ($240m), the circuit is dominated by a vast main grandstand and pit complex.

The circuit layout, which roughly mirrors the Chinese character Shang, is fairly typical of modern venues. It features medium to slow speed corners and a straight where the drivers are flat out for almost 1.4 kilometres.

A distinctive feature of the track is the long right-hander which opens the lap, through which the drivers turn over 270 degrees before switching back.

The race originally appeared at the end of the year and held the final round of the world championship once, in 2005, a race which saw Renault clinch the constructors’ championship. Since 2009 it was been part of the opening series of flyaway races.

As the circuit was built in an industrial complex outside Shanghai it is often affected by pollution from nearby factories. The weather can be variable and it is not uncommon for races to be affected by heavy rain.

Shanghai International Circuit data

Lap data
Lap length5.451km (3.387 miles)
Race laps56
Race distance305.066km (189.559 miles)
Pole positionLeft-hand side of the track
Lap record*1’32.238 (Michael Schumacher, 2004)
Fastest lap1’31.095 (Sebastian Vettel, 2018, qualifying three)
Maximum speed348kph (216.237 mph)
Distance from grid to turn one267m
Car performance
Full throttle54%
Longest flat-out section1397m
Downforce levelHigh
Gear changes per lap51
Fuel use per lap1.71kg
Time penalty per lap of fuel0.051s
Strategy
Pit lane time loss17.2s
Tyres:Drivers’ tyre selections

*Fastest lap set during a grand prix.

Data sources: FIA, Williams, Mercedes

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Shanghai International Circuit aerial map

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