By Phil Huff April 17 2009

Formula One returns to Shanghai for the fourth Chinese Grand Prix. Designed by track design guru Hermann Tilke, the Shanghai International Circuit is 5.451km, and is shaped like the Chinese character 'shang' standing for 'high' or 'above'.

It comprises seven left and nine right turns that boast several overtaking opportunities, in particular at the multi-apex turn one and the end of the straight, nicknamed 'the snail'.

The average speed is approximately 200 kmh, while the longest straight – over a kilometre in length – lies between turns 13 and 14. Here, cars should reach their maximum speed, in excess of 330 kmh in dry conditions. There is a maximum uphill gradient of 3% and a maximum downhill of 8% and the hugely impressive facility can seat up to 200,000 people.

For 2009 the circuit has changed ever so slightly, with the artificial grass on the exit of turn 10 having been renewed, and the white lines around the edge of the track being doubled in width. The pit entry has also been widened immediately before the pit lane itself.

The inaugural Chinese Grand Prix saw BAR Honda secure their best ever finish, until Hungary race win of 2006, with a total of 11 points coming from the podium finishing Jenson Button and his points scoring team mate Takuma Sato - and that was despite Sato starting from 18th on the grid following an engine change. Last years event was quite bad for the Honda Racing F1 team, with Jenson Button finishing a lap down in 16th place after qualifying 18th. Rubens Barrichello fared slightly better, ending the race in 11th after lining up 13th. By this point in the season, Honda had abandoned development of the reluctant RA108.