Feature: Beijing street race marks new milestone in China's motorsport journey

by Michael Butterworth

BEIJING, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- When Stephane Ratel first organized a race in China more than 30 years ago, the cars were parked in a lot and the paddock was little more than a row of tents. Standing trackside at the new Beijing E-Town Street Circuit last weekend, the founder and CEO of SRO Motorsports Group reflected on how far motorsport - and China - has come since then.

"I've been organizing races in China since 1994," Ratel told Xinhua as Beijing prepared to host the final two rounds of the 2025 GT World Challenge Asia season. "We did the first circuit race ever in China, in Zhuhai, then moved north to Beijing. We've raced in many places. This one, we really hope, will be here for the long haul."

That belief is shared by Zou Sirui, Chairman of SRO China and founder of the Beijing E-Town Street Race. "We have a 10-year plan," he said. "The government has already confirmed next year's calendar, and we're coming back in October. The vision is for this event to grow and become one of the most important dates in China's motorsport history."

THE LONG ROAD FROM ZHUHAI TO BEIJING

Ratel's links with China stretch back to the very origins of his GT racing empire. In 1994, as the Frenchman was helping to revive GT racing globally through the newly-formed BPR series, Zhuhai became the site of his first Asian venture.

"It was special, and in some ways easier," he recalled. "Back then, the race cars were in the parking lot! They were still sophisticated cars, but the logistics and technical environment were much lighter. Today, it's all far more sophisticated. It's been a great adventure."

Three decades later, SRO runs 15 championships across four continents and remains one of the most active international promoters in China, having staged events in Ningbo, Zhejiang and Shanghai. Its latest venture, the new Beijing E-Town circuit, winds around a lakeside in a government-backed high-tech zone framed by glass towers and freshly built roads.

A VISION FOR BEIJING

For Zou, the goal is to make the event a lasting showcase for Chinese motorsport and the city itself. "We've wanted to have a street race since 2017," he said. "We selected E-Town because it represents Beijing so well: modern buildings, water, nature, and city all in one place. It's a great image for the capital."

Penned by leading international circuit designer Apex, the 3.7-kilometer track offers the rare combination of a true street setting with enough width to encourage overtaking. "It's wide enough to race on," said Ratel. "You can pass on the inside or outside - exactly what we want."

30,000 spectators attended the Beijing circuit's inaugural race weekend - a GT World Challenge Asia record - and both Ratel and Zou expect those numbers to rise as the event matures. "We want it to become like Macao or Monaco and be one of the most important dates in motorsport," said Zou.

A GROWING ASIAN MARKET

While Europe and North America remain established heartlands for GT racing, Ratel sees Asia as the series' fastest-growing region. "You don't have many multi-brand, multi-driver series in Asia," he said. "Our Asian series is unique. Some people were cautious at first because this was a new street circuit, but now manufacturers have seen the facilities, they'll come. Nothing is built in year one - it grows over time."

China's growing pool of competitive drivers is another source of optimism, with Ferrari's Ye Yifei becoming the first Chinese to win the Le Mans 24 Hours earlier this summer. "When we started GT World Challenge Asia in 2017, Chinese drivers were still learning," Ratel said. "Now one of them has gone on to win Le Mans. That shows how fast they've developed. For the local public, seeing Chinese drivers doing well is very important."

GT4, the category below the headline GT3 class, is central to SRO's regional expansion. "GT4 is more budget-friendly," Zou explained. "It gives young drivers a path into GT racing. Not everyone reaches Formula 1, so GT4 helps them build another career."

SRO China's Shanghai GT4 race earlier this year drew a record 33 cars from ten manufacturers, underscoring the strength of the grassroots scene. "GT4 brings more talent, and that's good for the whole ecosystem," Zou added.

TRADITION MEETS TRANSITION

As the global auto industry moves toward electrification, SRO is also preparing for change. "We've been working for years on a project called GTX, for electric GT racing," Ratel said. "You can see many electric GT prototypes in motor shows, but not many on the road yet. We're waiting for the fully electric Porsche 911, Ferrari, Aston Martin, McLaren, MG. When they arrive, we'll be ready."

Still, Ratel believes that the sound and emotion of traditional engines remain essential to motorsport's appeal. "The combustion engine is part of the soul of racing," he said. "Even if 99 percent of road cars become electric, there will still be screaming V10s and V12s on track. It's like watches: your phone tells the time, but people still love mechanical ones."

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

The Beijing E-Town project fits squarely into SRO's long-term philosophy of building sustainable motorsport platforms. "Everything is built over time," said Ratel. "The foundations for great success are here."

For Zou, that foundation includes not just a circuit but a partnership and a vision. "We have the best experts, the best design teams, and government support," he said. "Now we want to build something that will last."

As the sun set over the E-Town lake and the Beijing circuit's first two races loomed, Ratel looked out at a skyline still under construction. "This area will be even more spectacular next year," he said. "There's a big hotel being built where many teams will stay. It'll become more practical and convenient, and better every year." ■