F1 in talks over second China GP, road race on cards

Formula One is in talks with six local governments in China this week about holding a second grand prix in the country, a senior F1 official told AFP, with a Beijing road race said to have been floated.

A second grand prix -- most likely on the streets -- would complement the existing one on the $450 million Shanghai International Circuit.

No country currently has two Formula One races, although F1 officials are negotiating for a second grand prix in the United States.

Formula One's landmark 1,000th race took place in Shanghai on Sunday, underlining China's growing role as the sport's US-based owner looks to Asia.

A source with knowledge of the matter told AFP that a race on the streets of the Chinese capital Beijing has been raised as one idea.

Sean Bratches, Formula One's managing director of commercial operations, did not confirm or deny the road-race plan for Beijing when approached by AFP.

"In terms of interest, we would be highly interested in a street race," he said.

"It would be a nice juxtaposition to the purpose-built, extraordinary facility that we have here," Bratches told AFP in Shanghai.

"Our intent is to bring our show to the people."
"We think there's an opportunity to grow from that perspective."
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