Asian Motor Sports

Official recognition from the General Sports Administration of China and the Shanghai Municipal Government has been given to the A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Shanghai International Circuit, China (31 March – 2 April 2006) following a meeting between A1GP Chairman, Sheikh Maktoum, Mr. Yang Xiaodu, Deputy Mayor of Shanghai Municipal Government and Mr Zhao Yinghua, Deputy Director of Shanghai Sports Bureau last week.

Sheikh Maktoum, along with A1GP chief operating officer, David Clare attended an official lunch with representatives of the Shanghai government on Friday 17 February. During the meeting, A1 Grand Prix was given the full support of the Shanghai government and its departments who committed to working with the organisers of the World Cup of Motorsport to ensure a successful event in China in six weeks time.

Reaffirming the China’s commitment to hosting the final round of the 2005/06 A1 Grand Prix season, dignitaries from FASC, the Shanghai Municipal Government and Shanghai Sport Administration attended a press conference to announce the creation of the 2005/06 Chinese A1 Grand Prix Organising Committee to local and international media.

The establishment of the Committee represents the official recognition of the event by the General Sports Administration of China and the Shanghai Municipal Government who will provide full support including public security, transportation, telecommunication, publication and media and medical support.

Speaking at the press conference, Deputy Secretary-General Mr. Yao Mingbao said: ‘We thank A1 Grand Prix for presenting an opportunity for China to get really involved in an International top-level motorsport event. Chinese drivers, for the first time in history can compete with drivers from other nations on a level-playing field on behalf of their country. And, with the support and expectation from the whole world to make the final race of 2005/06 A1 Grand Prix happen in Shanghai, China, we will make Shanghai the sports and cultural center of Asia after it has been one of the financial and economic centre within this area.’

On behalf of A1 Grand Prix, Sheikh Maktoum said: “I am honoured to receive the official support of the General Sports Administration of China and the Shanghai Municipal Government for our forthcoming race in China. A1 Grand Prix is not only a great opportunity to showcase China’s sporting facilities to the world but by bringing together 80 per cent of the world’s population on the race track, it shows what countries can achieve when they join together under a common denominator.”