Duke of York visits Shanghai.

His Royal Highness the Duke of York has visited the Shanghai International Circuit, which will play host to the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix on 26 September.

The Duke, who has already visited the equally new venue at Sakhir in Bahrain, took great interest in the huge construction and engineering feat of building what is reckoned to be the largest dedicated Formula One circuit in the world.

The track is located roughly 60 kilometres to the west of the city of Shanghai, and a 90-minute drive from the Pudong International Airport. An estimated 200,000 fans will witness the grand prix on a circuit that has been designed to encourage overtaking and exciting racing.

The local landscape is now dominated by a huge structure which straddles the main straight, while a football stadium-style grandstand on one side and the pit buildings on the other are connected at each end by huge wing-shaped bridges which contain the media centre and a restaurant. Prince Andrew was clearly impressed by the scale of the buildings.

"I am delighted to be here today to see the final stages of the building of the Shanghai International Circuit," the Duke said in an address, "Congratulations on what you have achieved here."

Continuing, the Duke underlined his role as an ambassador for British trade overseas by noting the role his homeland plays in international motorsport - a key factor in the possible future of the British GP following the news that Silverstone's annual event is now in the hands of the FOA.

"Today, Britain is truly the global leader in automotive innovation, as around three-quarters of the world's single-seater racing cars are designed and built there, and six out of the ten Formula One teams are based in the UK," the Duke said, "Thus, Britain is in a strong position to help Shanghai ensure that its first grand prix is an outstanding success, and we look forward to the ongoing growth of these sporting and commercial relationships. I wish the Shanghai International Circuit the greatest success in its endeavours this year and in many years to come."

Replying to His Royal Highness, the president of the circuit admitted that the facility and its staff were equally honoured to host the royal visit.

"I hope he has enjoyed his visit and though, of course, the circuit is not yet completed, my wish is that he will have seen what a fantastic facility we are building in Shanghai," Mr Mao said, "Thus, we warmly welcome our honoured guest, and hope to see him among our guests on 26 September when the first Chinese Grand Prix will take place."