The 2004 season-opening South African Grand Prix - the location of Valentino Rossi's historical first victory for Yamaha - has lost out in a straight battle with Rio de Janeiro to stay on the calendar as the second race of the season after Jerez, Spain. The championship will visit China for the first time its history, taking in the new visit of Shanghai that only recently opened its doors to Formula 1, while Laguna Seca is set for dramatic development in time for next year's race. 
 | Eurosport - Barry Thomas - 20/10/04 |
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