Officials set another inspection deadline for Korea’s Yeongam track
In the latest of delays which have plagued Korea’s inaugural Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has revealed that the Yeongam track’s final inspection will be held
on October 11, 2010 – 11 days away from the first practice session.
The announcement comes barely a day after F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone expressed his doubts over the event occurring on schedule, despite several reassurances by Korean officials that the circuit and facilities
would be completed shortly.
With a required inspection date of 90 days prior to the race issued by FIA rules, Ecclestone admitted that all parties had taken a risk by continually delaying the operation. “What we've done is quite
dangerous,” the chief admitted.
Yet in what could be a breakthrough of positive news, the track will finally undergo its crucial investigation next month, and with a stroke of luck and diligent work, all facilities will be up to par.
“We will have no problem in hosting the race on October 24 as we have almost completed work,” insisted Korea Auto Valley Operation (KAVO) spokesman Kim Jae-Ho. “We will rush to complete work and FIA officials will see a complete circuit when they conduct a
final inspection in two weeks.”
Charlie Whiting of FIA will conduct the inspection, which was initially scheduled last week but postponed due to the celebration of Korea’s national Thanksgiving holiday. The counter-clockwise track, designed
by F1 architect Hermann Tilke, is the only new circuit on the calendar this year and is enjoying high expectation from fans and critics. After the Olympic and World Cup successes, the world’s fifth biggest car manufacturer will be seeking to mark their own
iconic signature on the history of auto racing, further emphasizing their prosperity and influence in the developed world.
The Korean Grand Prix will ignite on October 24.
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