Formula 1: Korean Grand Prix in question
South Korea has been eagerly expecting the Formula 1 sport drop its anchor in their territory this year in October. However, it is still a back against the wall job for the construction company entrusted with the prestigious job of cementing the Asian country on the Formula 1 map.
The FIA conceded that a lot of work remains to be completed at the circuit built in Yeongam. The ‘Korean International Circuit’ will be a 55 lap, nearly 5.6 km long track with a seating capacity of 120,000. The organizers are given a deadline till September 21st before final inspection.
According to the rulebook, the final inspection should be made not later than 60 days for permanent circuits or 90 days for a Formula One event. Going by the book, the final inspection for the Korean International Circuit should have taken place by July 26th.
The FIA seems satisfied with the weekly updates from their representative in Korea. Inspection is not just about observing that the tarmac is ‘nice and hard’ - it’s also about ensuring that the venue abides the safety regulations set.
“The FIA is satisfied with the progress even though a lot of work remains to be completed. A final track inspection by the FIA Safety Delegate will take place on Sept 21,” said a spokesman of the F1 regulatory body.
The Korea Auto Valley Operation claim that the circuit is "90 per cent complete" and is ready to host its first track event this weekend entitled 'Circuit Run 2010,' as Karun Chandhok will be driving a Red Bull car in an exhibition lap on Saturday to kick off the 50 day countdown for the race.
However, the event has had its respective share of speculations. Many doubted that the race would be called off after construction work fell behind schedule to a number of reasons with monsoon rains in the fore. The postponement of the Asian Festival of Speed further fuelled doubts.
With Bernie Ecclestone and the company willing to overlook ‘official’ guidelines and to give a certain amount of time leverage to aid the track’s successful completion, the FIA does come out as rather desperate and possibly ill-organized body. The possible exclusion of this race at this moment in the championship would put the regulatory body under a lot of pressure from teams that our looking to play catch up, including Ferrari.
There is also a chance of things going further south if Korea is unable to offer a safe, finished track by Sept 21, as it would further risk the chance of the Korean Grand Prix being called off for the next season as well.
"…with less than three months written notice to the FIA will not be considered for inclusion in the following year's Championship unless the FIA judges the cancellation to have been due to force majeure," says the FIA rulebook.
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