F1 News
The Zhou effect: "There is interest from another city in China"
- GPblog.com
The entry of Guanyu Zhou has not only had a positive effect on Alfa Romeo's wallet but also on the F1 growth market in China. Stefano Domenicali says there is already interest in a second Grand Prix in China, in addition to the Shanghai event.
Second race in China
For two years now the Chinese Grand Prix has not been driven due to corona. Also in 2022, the race in China will not be driven. That is a big miss according to F1-boss Domenicali. Especially now there is also a Chinese driver on the grid in 2022. The Zhou effect is noticeable because there is interest in a second race in China and according to the F1 boss it is a real possibility that it will happen.
The-Race.com quotes the Italian: "I can say that we already have interest from another city to organise another GP in China. We will not be there next year. That is not because of us, but because of the pandemic. We have therefore extended the contract this year for another three seasons, we are thus showing our commitment."
The Zhou Effect
According to Domenicali, the new Chinese Alfa Romeo driver is the direct cause: "I'm sure Zhou is going to have an effect on the F1 world. He's the first Chinese in Formula 1 and that's definitely going to create extra attention. It is an area where we need to be. Also, because there are big developments taking place. All the OEM's are interested in being there."
According to Domenicali, China is an important growth market for the sport. The Italian is busy working on the international character of Formula 1. Whereas in China he seems to want to take advantage of the popularity growth and thriving car industry, in the Middle East the F1 boss wants to bring about positive change again.