China is poised to host a Formula One Grand Prix, with a newly completed track in the southern city of Zhuhai, a report in Hong Kong said yesterday.
The Zhuhai racetrack has been named as one of two reserve venues for next year's World Championship and is likely to be used if either Belgium or Portugal lose their races, the South China Morning Post said.
"Close and useful" talks were held between track managers and motor-sport's world governing body, FIA, Joe Lim Hun-beng, a director of Zhuhai International Circuit Management Ltd, which is responsible for running the track, told the paper.
"We are ready to hold a Formula One race and the circuit is up to standard, All the facilities are ready, We are very optimistic about our chances," he added. The 2.68-mile circuit's 11,000 seater grandstand is nearing completion.
Belgian Grand Prix officials have until December 31st to show their August race will not be affected by a European ban on tobacco advertising.
The main threat to Zhuhai's hopes comes from South Africa's Kyalami circuit, the second standby venue named by the FIA.
Japan is the only Asian nation currently hosting a Formula One Grand Prix although 70 per cent of the sport's television audience is in Asia, the report said.
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