Ferrari team principal Jean Todt was very complimentary of the organisers of the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix that took place last Sunday at the Shanghai circuit, the Frenchman more than thrilled with the’superb’ race….
'We know there were a lot of people here. I think we have to thank the organisers who have done such a good job and who thought of the idea of organising a Formula One Grand Prix and then we saw a superb race.”
Rubens Barrichello took the inaugural victory on Chinese soil for the Italian champions and Todt explained that it was an important win for Ferrari as they attempt to establish themselves in this emerging market.
'I don’t think there is a single circuit which has either the ambitions or the means to create a similar facility, so one can only congratulate a country like China which has the courage to organise and construct a circuit of such magnitude.'
And it was important for the team’s and Ferrari’s image.
'It wasn’t just a big plus, it was very important for our project here in China even if the road is long and we are only just starting,' said Todt. 'We’re going to tour the commercial possibilities here in China. We’re going to Hong Kong tomorrow. It’s still developing and there’s a long way to go. We need to establish a network of concessionaires and dealers, things like after sales so we need to find the right people in order to create all that.'
'A few weeks ago we established a joint venture where Ferrari has 40 percent with two Chinese partners, one of which is already our partner in Hong Kong called Italian Motors and the other which is a huge industrial group, and together we are going to try and establish a network of dealers in China. We have ambitions but there’s a lot of work to do before we achieve them. It has great potential because we know how many inhabitants there are in China, even though most of them don’t have the earnings that would allow them to buy a Ferrari or Maserati, it’s more known for the number of bicycles! Until now, we sell 50 cars here.'
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