This was the most exciting day in our history, says motor sport chief
The head of motor sport in China put the seal on the mainland's entry into Formula One yesterday with this simple statement: 'We have shown the world we can do it.'
Shi Tianshu, director-general of the China Federation of Auto Sports, hailed the success of the inaugural China Grand Prix, won by the Brazilian Rubens Barrichello for Ferrari.
'This is one of the most exciting days in our sporting history,' Mr Shi said. 'We are very proud that Shanghai and China can hold an international event like this. We have shown the world we can do it.'
Legions of Formula One fans from across the mainland and from further afield descended on Shanghai for the history-making race staged on the city's new circuit, giving a cosmopolitan feeling to the occasion.
With a television audience of hundreds of millions, the opening ceremony featured 1,200 colourful dancers and martial arts experts carrying steering wheels, waving flags, transporting a huge ceremonial boat and performing complicated choreography in traditional costumes.
Following a celebratory song by Hong Kong pop icon Aaron Kwok Fu-shing, the dancers raced along beneath a large Chinese flag.
