Shanghai, Nov 6 (IANS): Formula 1 has extended its contract with the Chinese Grand Prix, in a move that will keep the championship coming to Shanghai until 2025.

Formula 1 made its debut in China at the Shanghai International Circuit in 2004, with Rubens Barrichello winning the inaugural race for Ferrari.

And although the ongoing global struggles with the pandemic mean that the Chinese Grand Prix will not form part of next year's record-breaking 23-race calendar, Formula 1 is aiming to return to the country as soon as possible -- having last raced in China in 2019, when F1 celebrated its 1,000th race.

"This is great news for all of our fans in China and we are delighted to announce this agreement that will see us racing in Shanghai until 2025," Formula 1's president and CEO Stefano Domenicali said in a statement on Saturday.

"Our partnership with the promoter Juss Sports is incredibly strong and we look forward to continuing our long term partnership. While we are all disappointed we could not include China on the 2022 calendar due to ongoing pandemic conditions, China will be restored to the calendar as soon as conditions allow and we look forward to being back with the fans as soon as we can," Domenicali added.