THE FIA, the world's governing body of motorsport, will start inspecting the Zhuhai International Circuit next month as China's first Formula One-standard facility takes shape.
Zhuhai organisers are hopeful China will be able to host a round of the FIA Formula One Championship in 1997 and the FIA inspection on October 24 will be another step towards China fulfilling hopes of playing host to top-class racing.
Joe Lim Hun Beng, deputy chairman and general manager of the Zhuhai International Circuit Limited, said FIA inspectors will make sure everything will be in place in time for the track's opening in November.
'They will make sure the shape, corners and run-offs are good and any additions or changes will be made now and not after the track is completed,' Lim said.
'Most of the ground work for the track has been completed and we are confident the track will be completed by the end of next year. Once the track is completed, there will be one final inspection by the FIA.' The next six months will be crucial for the circuit as negotiations will take place early next year for the commercial terms of staging a round of the F1 Championship.
The 4.34-kilometre circuit, which covers an area of 300 acres, has already been approved by the FIA. It incorporates the latest in specifications for both F1 racing and for 500cc Grand Prix motorbikes.