Formula 1 has confirmed that it has reached a new three-year deal with organisers of the Chinese Grand Prix.
China joined the calendar in 2004 with an event at the specially-designed Shanghai International Circuit, but its contract expired at the end of 2017.
Following Singapore’s renewal, China remained the sole event whose status on the 2018 roster was subject to an agreement with the Commercial Rights Holder.
That agreement has now been reached, with Shanghai confirmed as the host of the Chinese Grand Prix through 2020, while Formula 1 officials also confirmed a date swap between China and Bahrain on next year's calendar.
Bahrain will now take place on April 8, with China on April 15, albeit with the switch still requiring ratification by the World Motor Sport Council.
“We are very pleased to have reached an agreement which will see the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix continue as a fixture of the Formula 1 World Championship for at least a further three years,” said F1 CEO Chase Carey.
“This great country has already demonstrated an overwhelming show of interest in our sport and we firmly believe there is still a great deal of unexplored potential here.
“That’s why this renewed agreement is so important as part of our development strategy, especially in this part of the world.
“We and our partners in this venture want to make this Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix even more spectacular, while bringing Chinese fans ever closer to the sport.
“Finally, we wish to thank the Shanghai Municipal Government for the support it has given and continues to give to the Grand Prix, which has been a crucial element of its success.”
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