Most important race in F1 history this weekend

“It is a new era and I think we will have more spectators worldwide for television than for any race before…especially in America I think there will be a lot mentioned about the race,” said Haug.

Mercedes are part owners of McLaren and, like other carmakers in Formula One, they are licking their lips at the prospect of putting on a show in the world’s most populous nation and fastest-growing market.

Even if the average Chinese, with an annual salary of $1,000, can only dream of owning a car, the market is potentially massive although there are fears of a margin-sapping glut emerging as new plants come on stream.

‘Follow the money’ has long been a mantra for the costly glamour sport and comparisons have even been made between Formula One’s efforts to win over China and the 19th century Canadian gold rush. (Reuters)