Chinese Grand Prix in doubt for 2011

The Chinese GP has not had an extension on its seven-year deal begun in 2004. The F1 teams are on their way to Shanghai for the seventh Grand Prix in China this weekend. But with no deal in place for a race next year, could this be F1’s last visit to Shanghai?

Built at a cost of $350m the circuit boasts one of the largest structures in F1 and can accommodate up to 200,000. It was the most expensive track ever built.

But it’s never come close to finding that many paying spectators, and many of the fans that do go pick up cheap tickets sold on by corporate guests who are offered them for free. In recent years the large turn 12 and 13 grandstand has been converted into an giant advertising hoarding.

While Bahrain, which also joined the F1 calendar in 2004, has had its deal extended until 2013, there has been no such extension for the Chinese round.

However car manufacturers see a round in China as being important for the world championship.