First batch of Formula One racing cars are transported to Shanghai, China's oriental metropolis Sept.18,2004. Formula One racing event will debut in Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix from Sept 24 to 26.

All the Formula one race cars have arrived in Shanghai to compete in the first-ever Chinese Grand Prix.

Officials from the Shanghai International Circuit (SIC) confirmed on Monday that all the cars from the 10 F1 teams have been placed in appropriate conditions on SIC.

Eighteen cars and spares from six teams, including Ferrari, BAR, BMW-Williams, MaLaren, Toyota, and Minardi, arrived on Saturday with the other 14 cars of four teams in place the next morning.

All the cars, aboard charted Boeing 747, were transferred to SIC immediately they landed the Shanghai International Airport. Tofacilitate the inspection and quarantine of the entering racing equipment, Shanghai Customs and Shanghai Entry-Exit Inspection andQuarantine Bureau have set up offices on site.

It is not the first time that the formula one rubber hit the road in SIC. Former Ferrari star Gerhard Berger broke in the circuit for a test in one of teammate Michael Schumacher's old cars on June 8. He declared it a state-of-the-art challenge.

"The workers and volunteers have already begun the unloading atthe paddock and the preparation enters its final stage. We have worked very hard so that the audience can experience the charm of this thrilling event," SIC's general manager Mao Xiaohan said.

Drivers will come to Shanghai in the following days with seven-time world champion Schumacher turning up first on Tuesday, according to Mao.

Juan Pablo Montoya of Williams arrived in Beijing and celebrated his birthday with Chinese fans at the Great Wall on Tuesday.

The inaugural Chinese F1 event will be held on the Shanghai track on Sunday.