MotoGP Blog

Circuit map: here.
Circuit web page: Shanghai International Circuit.

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Quick Guide
Shanghai was designed by Tillke with Formula 1 in mind. Said to be modelled on the Chinese character “Shang” the track is a series of long straights followed by slow corners to maximise overtaking opportunities for high-aero cars. As a result, it is less than a thrilling track for MotoGP bikes. The first corner is a staggering 270 degree decreasing-radius right-hander which is immediately followed by a 180 degree hairpin left-hander. After this torturous start, 90% of the rest of the track is that straight -> tight corner combination. The longest straight of the calendar in 2008 at 1200m is here, and this is where in 2007 the Stoner Ducati dominated on pure top-end power to simply ride away from the chasing pack. 2008 may be the last time the circuit is used for MotoGP. If this is the case it will not be missed.

Circuit length: 5.281 km.
Circuit width: 13m - 15m.
Corners: 14, 7 right-handers and 7 left-handers.
MotoGP race distance: 22 laps.

Recent winners
2008: Valentino Rossi, 44m 08.061s
2007: Casey Stoner, 44m 12.891s
2006: Dani Pedrosa, 44m 07.734s
2005: Valentino Rossi, 50m 02.463s