F1 confirms new three-year deal for Chinese GP

The Chinese Grand Prix will remain on the Formula 1 calendar for another three years after officials signed a contract extension for the race in Shanghai, as well as swapping dates with Bahrian on next season's schedule.

China first joined the F1 calendar in 2004 with a race at the Shanghai International Circuit and has been a mainstay ever since, although questions were raised about its future given its contract was set to expire at the end of the year.

F1 chiefs were keen to retain the sport's foothold in China, an important automotive market, and confirmed that a new three-year deal had been agreed lasting until the 2021 season.

“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 furthe three years," F1 CEO Chase Carey said.

"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.”

The statement also confirmed China will become the third round of the season in 2018, swapping dates with Bahrain to take place on April 15.