SOHU will exclusively host and manage the Official Formula 1B website in Chinese, introducing Chinese motor racing fans to the world of Formula One in their own language and offering new business opportunities to Formula One associated companies.
The deal precedes the inaugural 2004 Formula 1B Sinopec Chinese Grand Prix this weekend.
The new website (china.formula1.com) will include daily news, official live timing with race commentary, photographic galleries featuring exclusive still TV images, specially-commissioned interviews and features, an interactive results archive, in-depth technical analysis, general information on the rules and history of Formula One and full profiles on all the competing teams and drivers including all previous world champions.
The presentation of the new website will follow the creative style of the flagship English language site, formula1.com.
Charles Zhang, chairman and CEO of SOHU said: “As the portal with the widest reach among China’s 80 million online users according to iResearch/Alexa for the past eight months, we offer the Formula One community prime internet access to the affluent urban internet users who are the most likely people in China to embrace the world of motor racing.”
Bernie Ecclestone, CEO, Formula One Management Limited said: “The first Formula One Chinese race is a very significant addition to the global Formula One calendar and we are pleased to announce this cooperation at such an appropriate time.
“For many years tens of millions of Chinese fans have been enjoying Formula One through television, and now millions more will be able to follow Formula One in their own language through the Internet. We are confident that in SOHU we have found a committed partner to help build Formula One’s interactive gateway for Chinese fans and to offer a new platform for our teams and sponsors.”
Victor Koo, president and COO of SOHU, said: “The growth in car ownership reflects the rising prosperity in China and fuels the interest in all automotive related entertainment and sports as higher incomes make people keen to explore new leisure experiences.
“The inaugural 2004 Formula 1B Sinopec Chinese Grand Prix is already proving to be very popular and is expected to further enhance interest in the sport, as its glamour and excitement fits well into the new lifestyle of Chinese consumers.”
