Korean Grand Prix, half of the tickets remain unsold
The Korean Grand Prix is not going to be anything like it was expected to be. There was a lot of hype that the country will come up with one of the best Circuits of Asia. However, all hopes seem to be fading now as there are only two more days to go and
half of the tickets still remain unsold.
Korea, one of the fastest growing country’s of the Far East and famous for its ever increasing tourism has failed to live up to the expectations of the first Formula One race on its soil.
The inaugural race on the newly built Korean International Circuit is to take place this Sunday, while the practice sessions would begin tomorrow (Friday). However, many of the local people are still unaware of the fact that their country is hosting the
World’s biggest racing series’ event.
Motor racing had never been a famous sport in the country. It was thought that the advent of Formula One would attract people for this new kind of entertainment. However, the response of the locals had been very dry.
The lack of interest shown by the people is largely due to poor advertisement and marketing of the event and the sport in the country, which is because of the late approval of FIA. The track had its last and final inspection only two weeks ahead of the event,
due to the delayed construction work.
The director of Korea Tourism Organization, Kay Sung talked to the press earlier today telling that the last approval of the track has diminished the interest of people.
While talking to the international press he stated, "In the beginning, there was a lot of interest but we only received the approval recently. There were concerns that we might not be able to host it and so the numbers dwindled. Formula One racing has never
taken off in South Korea even though it ranks as one of the world's top three major sports”.
Still, a big road show is scheduled to take place later during the weekend to demonstrate Formula One technology to the people. However, the organisers doubt that even a 100,000 people would attend it.
Moreover, contrary to what was expected, a very small number of foreigners have arrived to witness the event. This has disappointed the Tourism Organization immensely, claiming that they have already lost hundreds and thousands of dollars already.
Also, the fact that no Korean driver or team is present in the sport has further reduced people’s involvement and interest.
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