Shanghai F1 Learns to Rock

A carnival-style party dubbed 'F1 Passion' will bring the second Chinese Grand Prix the to a close on October 16 at the Shanghai International Circuit.

The event will take place in the Shanghai stadium and will feature a wide variety of entertainment, with rock band Michael Learns To Rock headlining. This Danish act enjoys a huge following in China. Their set will mark their second performance of the day following a brief appearance at the Circuit prior to the race. Jackie Chan and Taiwan teen idol Jay Chou are also said to be coming.

Expecting a massive turnout, the organisers have gone to length, albeit a shorter one than their carnival experience, to provide this year's spectators with more "humanized" services: self-warming seats, multi-channel wireless earphones that shield track noise and provide real-time updates on team progress and waterproof nitrogen-filled binoculars. The constant change between acceleration and deceleration, connected by high speed sections offers sufficient opportunities for overtaking manoeuvres and achieves an intensive experience for spectators. Finally, the organisers have erected a series of convenient shuttle bus stops around the track.

This year, the Grand Prix stage will be Olympic-themed, the first ever project between any Olympics preparation committee and a non-Olympic event. International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge will press a button to light a neon sign that will read "Welcome to Beijing Olympics 2008".

Time: October 14-16

Venue: 2000, Yining Lu, Jiading District, Shanghai

上海市嘉定区伊宁路2000号

Admission: 160-3,980 yuan

(for details visit http://www.icsh.sh.cn/cn/2005_ticketgui/item/2004_12/2090.shtml)