Catching the Grand Prix bug: A surge in private car ownership on the back of a booming economy has increased Formula 1's popularity among the wealthy and up-and-coming middle-class mainlanders
China entered motor racing's ascendancy yesterday with the inaugural Grand Prix at the Shanghai track and mainland fans relished the opportunity to experience the roar and the sensations of Formula 1 in the flesh.
The race, won with supreme confidence by Rubens Barrichello in the practically unbeatable Ferrari, marked the consummation of China's love affair with the automobile and around 150,000 people showed up to watch. Spectators said the race was a testament to China's emerging status.
'This is a great event, although it's a bit expensive. Maybe next time they'll make the tickets a bit cheaper,' said Li Yu, a businessman from the Sichuan capital Chengdu.
'You can see how China is getting richer and everyone has more money - it also means that things get a bit expensive. But this event has inspired me. Maybe next year I'll go to Italy, see how these guys perform in Monza! I've caught the Grand Prix bug.'
His friend, wearing the prancing horse logo from head to toe, nodded in agreement.