Nov.4 (GMM) China's Shanghai circuit must improve its track surface and rain drainage before hosting its eighth grand prix next April.

The huge and impressive facility cost $240 million to build ahead of its 2004 debut, but has been given only a provisional date on the 20-race 2011 calendar.

A report in Germany's Auto Motor und Sport said the last two rain-affected races at the venue have moved the FIA to demand improved drainage for 2011.

And the governing body reportedly also wants troublesome bumps in the track surface to be resolved.

"The homologation licence for the Shanghai International Circuit has expired and before a new licence can be issued by the FIA some work on the track is required," confirmed a spokesperson.

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