China debuted in 2004 along with Bahrain. In seven seasons of racing, the country’s Shanghai International Circuit saw seven different drivers take the top step of the podium.

Considered to be one of Herman Tilke’s masterpiece, the Shanghai track is shaped like the Chinese character ‘shang’ that means ‘high’ or ‘above’. A great deal of planning and thought has gone into the design and construction. This is greatly visible in the design of the grandstands, specifically the main grandstand which provides a view of almost 80 per cent of the circuit.

Despite the fact that the track is built over swamplands, the facilities it provides has left most in the paddock spellbound.

The track poses quite a challenge to the drivers. In Sector 3 for instance, it offers a long straight followed by a hairpin which provides an opportunity for overtaking, a sequence typical of a Tilke design. One unique feature of the circuit presents itself after the start-finish straight. Turn 1 is not the usual right-hander; instead, it curves into Turn 2 followed by an immediate hairpin at Turn 3 laying emphasis on the technicality and mechanical grip of the cars. For these reasons, it is no surprise that it has produced seven different race winners in the seven races held here.

Recent results:

2010: Jenson Button( McLaren Mercedes)
2009: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2008: Lewis Hamilton (McLaren Mercedes)
2007: Kimi Raikonen (Ferrari)
2006: Michael Schumacher (Ferrari)