formula 1 racing

News in the Paddock - Saturday 1
09-25-2004

(GMM - Shanghai) Formula One drivers singled-out the seemingly never-ending Turn One as the most challenging corner on the Chinese circuit. ''It's fantastic, really,'' said veteran Olivier Panis. ''It's quite complicated and it took me a while to find the best line -- you have to be very precise through there.''

Jaguar, to be sold after the Brazilian GP in a month, made available a new chassis in Shanghai, dubbed R5b-06, and put in the hands of Christian Klien. ''(It's) part of our continued development programme,'' said the Austrian. Head of car development Dr Mark Gillan said the new car uses 'new layout technology.'

Rubens Barrichello is just one of the Formula One flock baffled by the road rules, or apparent lack of them, here in Shanghai. ''Half the (F1) grid should be Chinese,'' joked the Ferrari driver, ''because on the road they are mad. They say Brazil has bad traffic ...'' Ralf Schumacher said the Chinese traffic is ''a mess. It's dangerous just to cross the street.''

Shanghai should boast overtaking opportunities in Sunday's inaugural grand prix, thinks Williams returnee Ralf Schumacher. ''The long corners offer good opportunities on (the) exit,'' said the German. ''Hermann Tilke has designed it well.''

Many F1 stars highlighted a potential hazard for Sunday's big race at the virginal Chinese circuit -- pitlane. ''It's so slippery,'' said one driver, ''so I hope the mechanics get to work on it otherwise they might be knocked to the other end of the pitlane.''

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