Shanghai set for Formula 1's first fan festival of the year

Formula 1 has confirmed that China will be the recipient of the sport's first fan festival, which shall take place in Shanghai from 13 to 15 April.

Presented by Heineken, the event will bring Grand Prix racing's excitement and passion to the heart of the city just as teams and drivers tackle the third round of the F1 world championship at the Shanghai International Circuit.

The Heineken F1 Shanghai Festival will take place at two prestigious locations, allowing people to live the Formula 1 experience as never before.

At the Jing’An Kerry Centre the public will be able to be part of the Shanghai F1 Festival through several activations set up by Formula 1’s Global Partners who are supporting the event: Heineken, who will be also Title Partner, DHL, Pirelli and Emirates. Petronas will also join the Shanghai F1 Festival as an Official Sponsor.

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The opening ceremony will be held Friday at 4.30 pm and will be attended by two Formula 1 World Champions: the three-time (1969, 1971 and 1973) champion and Heineken Ambassador Sir Jackie Stewart and the 2016 title holder, Nico Rosberg.

The Heineken F1 Shanghai Fan Festival will be open Friday from 4 pm to 10 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm.

Performers and DJs will be on stage, including among others top presenter Jeff Kung, an award-winning musician, actor, producer and events and music show host, as well as Armin Van Buuren who will headline the Heineken stage on Friday evening, and Angela Chang, who will perform on Saturday night.

Also, there will be show cars from Renault, Pirelli and SIC with the Grand Prix shown on giant screens, with live links to the SIC Paddock.

There will be an area dedicated to esports, with F1 simulators where the fans can experience the sensations of being at the wheel of a virtual F1 single-seater.

"We are very proud that the first F1 Festival of the year will take place in Shanghai, a destination city in a country like China where there is an incredible potential interest for Formula 1," said Alexandre Molina, Director of Events at Formula 1.

"The city will have the opportunity to live the Formula 1 2018 Heineken Chinese Grand Prix in a unique way and discover the engineered insanity which characterize the pinnacle of motorsport."

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