Jan.8 (GMM) The fired general manager of Shanghai's formula one circuit intends to appeal his four year jail term for embezzlement.

Yu Zhifei, who was instrumental in bringing the sport to China and a key promoter until his removal, was last week sentenced amid a major corruption scandal, including using nearly (US) $150,000 in public money to buy a house.

His lawyer told the Chinese news agency Xinhua on Monday that Zhifei, 54, plans to lodge an appeal before the deadline expires under Chinese law on January 13.