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Chinese bosses confident that race will remain on the calendar

Organisers of the Chinese Grand Prix remain confident that the race will remain on the Formula One calendar next season, despite this year’s event receiving criticism regarding its promotion.

F1-supremo Bernie Ecclestone criticised race organisers for failing to advertise the event properly – leading to poor attendance figures.

However, Leon Sun of race promoters Juss Events is adamant that the Shanghai event will remain an F1 event for the foreseeable future.

“It hasn’t been announced because there are still a few technical issues to be sorted out but we’re in good shape,” he told Reuters.

“It looks good at the moment. We’ve got until October this year to sort it out but I’m confident that we’ll have something before that.”

Sun believes that the F1 world will have to continue to be patient, as the race will take time to build into popular sport in China.

“We are trying to build something,” Sun added. “Obviously, compared to races in Europe we still have a long way to go to build the market. We improve every year and I think Bernie appreciates and understands this.”

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh also emphasized the importance of the Chinese event for the sport.

“Being here is important not just to our road car companies but is important to all of our partners in Formula 1,” he told Reuters.

“We’re here to create brand exposure and differentiation for the Vodafones, the Exxon Mobils, the Mercedes Benz. This is an important market, so Formula 1 must make sure that it continues to make a success of the Chinese Grand Prix.”

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