The official opening of the Shanghai Circuit was heralded today with a press conference at the prestigious Inyiang Tower hotel. The first GP of China will take place at the track on 26 September.

A message from President Luca di Montezemolo was relayed direct to the Vice Director General of the Shanghai International Circuit, Yu Zhifei, to mark the occasion. 'A warm welcome', began Montezemolo. 'This new and extraordinary circuit could play a part in developing the team spirit and sense of real sporting competition throughout this country and the world in general. This is a passion that has always been at the heart of the racing world and is a feeling shared by us at the Ferrari Maserati Group.'

The run up to the first race will see the Group involved on 5th June at the Grand Opening of the Ferrari Maserati Showroom in Shanghai. On the 6th June the Inauguration Ceremony of the Shanghai Circuit will be held. It will feature an exhibition of Ferrari Formula 1 cars driven by Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro drivers. Also on show will be a Maserati MC12 and a Maserati Trofeo Zegna.