18/10/02: Two European circuits were facing the axe today after it was officially confirmed China would join the Formula One calendar from 2004.

Shanghai will host a race at a new Stg£170million facility after agreeing a seven-race deal, motor sport boss Max Mosley confirmed.

China will join recently announced Bahrain in staging a grand prix from 2004 as Formula One expands globally at the expense of its European heartland. Currently, 11 of the 17 races are held in Europe.

Belgium, Austria and Imola in Italy, which hosts the San Marino Grand Prix, are understood to be the tracks most at risk from the newcomers.

Next year's Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps will only take place if the teams agree to run without tobacco advertising following a dispute over a local law.

If the race does not go ahead it is highly unlikely it would return to the calendar in 2004 despite its traditions, leaving one other track facing the axe.

But teams did discuss a plan in Italy last September to increase the size of the championship to 18 races.

Several teams are opposed to the idea on cost grounds - each race costs them around £650,000 - while others would prefer an extra race but less testing.

"I think there is a strong possibility that we will have 18 races," said British American Racing boss David Richards at the time. "But it is early days yet, we will have to wait and see."