FIA GT 2004: the Championship ends in China

The FIA GT Championship will visit China's Zhuhai circuit next weekend, from the 13-14 November, bringing the 2004 series to a close. However, it is not an entirely new experience as Zhuhai previously hosted an FIA GT round in 1999. China should not have the extreme weather and high temperatures seen in Dubai, with conditions expected to be more predictable. However, none of the younger drivers will have any experience of the 4.3 kilometre-long circuit, which could have a considerable bearing on the outcome of the race. In the GT category, the biggest draw is expected to be the Pirelli-equipped Maserati MC12 which starred in the last three races. Starting from this race the car is eligible to score points, as it will do for the entirety of next year. Pirelli will bring along the latest evolution of P Zero tyres to China, along with specific rain compounds to cope with the possibility of unexpected heavy showers. The 2004 championship battle has already been settled, with the Scuderia Italia Ferrari 550 team of Luca Cappellari and Fabrizio Gollin claiming the crown.