Grid girls set to steal the show at Shanghai Grand Prix
Emily Chang and Staff Reporter 2013-03-31 08:55
Models show off the grid girl qipao uniform for the Chinese Grand Prix. (Photo/CFP)
Grid girls, a fixture of Formula One races around the world, are set to be a center of attention at the forthcoming Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, which will be held over the weekend April 12-14.
The promotional models, who hold up the grid number for their driver before the race begins, will also pass around programmes to spectators and cheer the three drivers on the podium after the race. They made an appearance in their new outfits at a press event in Shanghai on March 26.
Dressed in the qipao, the traditional Chinese gown with a slit at the thigh, the young women are sure to grab the attention in a country where many people go to auto shows purely to gawk at scantily clad models.
Also of note is the winner's trophy, which has been designed by artist Shi Senbin and is made of bronze, glass and cloisonne enamel and is shaped like an ancient ceremonial pot.
The Chinese Grand Prix on April 14 will be the 10th championship race to be held at the Shanghai circuit since the first event in 2004. Local fans will be keen to see the sport's first Chinese driver, Ma Qinghua, who is the test driver for the Caterham team and will be out on the track on April 12.
Popular writer Han Han, who also has a parallel career as a racing driver, and fellow Chinese driver Lin Zhiying were also at the press conference to promote the event.
