The fifth round of the 2008 China Circuit Championship (CCC) was held at Chengdu, Sichuan Province, an area known for its sight-seeing spots. Although there was concern about adverse effects of the severe earthquake which hit the region this year, the Chengdu Goldenport Circuit was safe and sound with the construction work of the main facilities (including pit garages) mostly completed. The track layout is a bit similar to that of Fuji Speedway in Japan and Turn 1 after the long pit straight is the main overtaking point.

Shanghai VW 333 Racing's pair, Wang Rui and his teammate Han Han, both driving Polos, made top-notch lap times in the qualifying session on Wednesday and sat on the front row.

The championship leader, Guo HaiSheng in a Dongfeng Nissan Tiida, and his teammate Lin LiFeng, who were burdened with 100kg weight handicaps, settled for third and fourth in the qualifying times respectively. But the former's car was found to be lighter than the required minimum weight after the session and he was forced to start the race from the back end of the grid.

Despite the fact that the first ever CCC race in Chengdu was held on a weekday, a crowd of spectators filled the race track on Thursday and the race started in quite a good atmosphere. While Wang Rui and Han Han made good getaways from the front row to form the 333 Racing's one-two, Guo HaiSheng rocketed from the opposite end and moved up to sixth on Lap 3.

Following Han Han in second along with two other competitors, Lin LiFeng was in fifth and the top six (including Guo HaiSheng) led the early stage of the race. However, more than one YOKOHAMA equipped car was hit by trouble in the middle phase. The first victim was Han Han who was running in second. His Volkswagen Polo halted at the pit lane entrance on Lap 8 due to an engine failure and he had no choice but to retire.

Soon after that, Lin LiFeng's Tiida also had a problem in its motor and was forced to slow down. He tried to bring his troubled car to the finish at a much slower pace but eventually the engine died on Lap 20, resulting in his retirement in the closing stage of the race.

About that time, race leader Wang Rui was being closely pursued but managed to keep a consistent gap by calmly controlling his pace and won the 24 lap race. This was his first win of the season and he is now in third in the championship. Guo HaiSheng's solid recovery from the back of the grid resulted in a fourth place finish, which allowed him to stay in the top slot in the series point standings.

With only the final round remaining, the CCC title contention is growing intense. After the fifth round, the top four drivers in the standings, including Guo HaiSheng, Wang Rui and Lin Lifeng, have a chance to win the title crown. The championship will be decided in the 2008 season closer at Shanghai in December.