South Korea All Set To Host First F1 Race
Finally Korea is all set to host the first ever Formula One event on its soil. Construction of the Korea International Circuit is near its completing stage with the last and final stage of surfacing the track set for July. It is hoped that the end of this summer season would witness the inauguration of the track as about 80 per cent of the total construction is already completed. The first Formula One race is scheduled to take place this October. The deal with F1 for the utilization of this track is for seven years.
The ongoing tensions at the political side of Korea has already put the future of the event into doubts, however, the promoter of the event, Korea Auto Valley Operation, still seems much optimistic as it insists that no problem has been faced by them so far and that they have almost completed the construction work successfully and they do not think that any problem would be made in the future as well.
The chief executive officer of KAVO, Yung Cho Chung told media that they are all extremely pleased with the progress of the circuit so far. He also added that all the facilities and preparations are done to make it match any circuit internationally. He added that no logistical or governmental obstacle has been faced by them in fact, both the central and provincial Government has extended full support for the project. Above all he mentioned that the entire country anticipates to welcoming Formula 1 to South Korea this autumn.
The circuit has been designed by Hermann Tilke, the German designer. It has dual features of partly being a permanent track and yet has some parts as temporary, like the street circuits. The temporary part sets along the harbour side of the province where spectators from the walkway, hotels, and yachts can enjoy the race. Some parts of the city that has the facility of, shops, restaurants, and cafes will also be used as pit lane during the F1 Grand Prix weekend. The estimated capacity of the venue is around 135,000 spectators.
On September 2, 2009 the announcement was made telling that the funds are there for the construction work to begin at the site and it was planned that the work must be completed in a year’s time to hold the Grand Prix in 2010. Now the Korean GP is scheduled to run from 22nd till 24th of October for the 2010 Formula One season, these dates include the practice sessions as well. This would be the 17th race held this season out of the total nineteen races after the Japanese Grand Prix to be run at the Suzuka Circuit. So far the race stands on the 2010 calendar with an asterisk depicting that if the track construction is up to the FIA's standards only then the race will be held.
South Korea has been actively taking part in the sports for the past decade. They have had a long thread of events hosted at their land to promote the image, tourism and sports of the country. The 2010 FORMULA 1 KOREAN GRAND PRIX is the next bead of events and of course the most major one. The country already has a number of successful events to its credit like the Seoul Olympics held in 1988, and later in the year 2002 the World Cup took place here. The whole endeavour had been possible due to full support and backing of South Korea's Central Government as well as the Government of South Jeolla Province, which has allowed the circuit, is to be built at their locality and have provided all kind of help and assistance.
Now, Koreans are all looking forward for the event to be a success and wish that the political side remains calm for the event to take place.
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