The Korean International Circuit has passed its FIA inspection, meaning the race meeting will go ahead as planned on October 22nd-24th.
There had been doubts over the race as the FIA regulations require inspections to take place 90 days before a race. Korea’s inspection was delayed due to over-running construction work and the tarmac was only laid last weekend.
Yung Cho Chung, chairman of race organisers Korea Auto Valley Operation and the Korea Automobile Racing Association said:
We are delighted that all works are now finished to the complete satisfaction of the FIA, and we join the whole of Korea in welcoming the Formula 1 fraternity to the Korea International Circuit for the first time.
The KIC has been constructed to the highest standards, and will become the epicentre of motorsport in the country. We believe the 2010 Formula 1 Korean Grand Prix will be the catalyst to ignite enormous interest in the sport across the nation.
Yung Cho Chung
FIA race director and safety delegate Charlie Whiting said:
It is satisfactory, and I will issue the license through KARA.
Charlie Whiting
Going to the Korean Grand Prix? Find other people who are here: 2010 Korean Grand Prix discussion
2010 Korean Grand Prix
Drowsy
12th October 2010, 7:51
Let’s all hope it was worth the while! And hope it suits Ferrari better then others :)
themark
12th October 2010, 8:40
Lets hope Ferrari can up their game without the track being designed for them, they have enough advantages already
Jelle van der Meer
12th October 2010, 10:56
Let’s hope the demons visit Alonso for once and let him have some of the bad luck Massa had.
GQsm (@gqsm)
12th October 2010, 11:24
Let’s hope it’s a Lewis, Jenson 1-2 and then the championship will be even more exciting.
Can you imagine it? The title decided between 5 drivers on the final race. It would be electric.
lluis
12th October 2010, 13:59
And Kubica third :-)
US_Peter (@us_peter)
12th October 2010, 19:42
With a Webber DNF.
Enzo
12th October 2010, 12:58
I hate to disappoint you but Alonso have already had his demons in Australia, Malaysia, Monaco and Spa so i hope he will have a clear path to the title now.
Franton
12th October 2010, 13:10
Not going to happen. His engine is going to fail sooner or later.
zecks
12th October 2010, 13:31
assuming the expected happens and vettel leads and 1-2 on the next two races, what odds will lot you give me for vettel doing a senna at abu dhabi? that would leave them both on 256 but vettel leading on 5 wins to webber’s 4
Alexi (@)
12th October 2010, 14:50
@ Franton – the only engine that is going to fail here is Hamilton’s. The way he’s crashing around lately I’d not be surprised to know something went wrong with his engine.
emil
12th October 2010, 13:51
or not suit at all and finish 5th and DNF:))
Gill
13th October 2010, 7:17
Well, I must say, I love all or ur above comments wanting his fav drver to win and his least fav driver’s engine to fail.
All inn all, it shows how much we love F1 despite not seeing much overtaking. We ll love cars that are as fast as an aeroplane on the road.
Bravo and hats off
zecks
14th October 2010, 0:31
kobayashi is fast becoming my favourite driver because of his overtaking. has anyone counted how many he has done this season?
slr
12th October 2010, 7:59
I never thought they’d cancel it, I just couldn’t see it happening. Hopefully we will have a great race. Though considering that even the “boring” track have put on good races, I expect South Korea to do the same.
Todfod (@todfod)
12th October 2010, 9:48
South Korea doesn’t look like a very boring track, definitely not as boring as Bahrian, Barcelona, Valencia and Hungary. I think there will be a decent amount of overtaking on this track.
trulli dead09
12th October 2010, 8:05
Finally we know its on-now come on Webber, kick Vettel’s butt on an even playing field
Stephen Northcott
12th October 2010, 8:21
Let’s hope the recently laid tarmac stays in place…
f1yankee
12th October 2010, 8:35
i have serious doubts, although i’d rather have a korean department store fall on me than spend 1 day in the commonwealth games.
BasCB (@bascb)
12th October 2010, 9:17
…, at least until the end of the last lap.
This race was always going to happen after they put in the top layer. Even if they have to redo that for next year, along with a lot of unfinished builing work
Jim N
12th October 2010, 11:16
That’s the big question, after all that’s why the 90 day rule was introduced. Still tarmac mixes have changed over the years so hopefully it will. One thing for sure now is that we will find out.
sato113 (@sato113)
12th October 2010, 17:09
does this fresh tarmac mean tyre degradation could be quite high???
Prisoner Monkeys (@prisoner-monkeys)
12th October 2010, 9:04
You know, a compromised race surface may not be such a bad thing. In fact, it may be a blessing in disguise. Oils brought to the surface by the rains would make the circuit slippery, and the cars racing over the surface would pull parts of it up. Korea could well be a second Montreal, at east for 2010. The only downside is that it might estroy the surface.
BasCB (@bascb)
12th October 2010, 9:19
Agree, this might give us the unpredictability of Canada. And in the worst case, they will have to redo the surfacing for next year’s race (making that spring some suprises as well?).
Sounds good.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
12th October 2010, 9:24
If part of the track starts coming apart, that’s obviously a big risk and could put holding the race in jeopardy. Still it would be a huge error on the FIA’s part if they approved a track with inadequate surface integrity ten days before the start of the race weekend.
As you say, best case scenario is it’s very low on grip and we get another Montreal.
Prisoner Monkeys (@prisoner-monkeys)
12th October 2010, 9:31
I don’t mean coming apart in the sense that bits and pieces will be torn free and potholes will start to appear, but rather that the tyres will start to pull upwards on the tarmac, corrupting the billiard table-smooth surface and causing small bumps and ripples to appear. Enough to accelerate tyre wear, but no so much that the circuit gets shredded.
Hare (@hare)
12th October 2010, 10:13
I wonder how much the WRC guys laugh at this kind of thing…. I would rolling in aisles.
I’d actually find some aisles and roll in them for the sake of it.
Stephen Northcott
12th October 2010, 10:24
I just found the “satisfactory” comment from the FIA a bit of a harsh contrast to the ebullient endorsement from the Korean’s themselves. But then I guess we are talking about an official document, and an FIA official’s opinion, so perhaps I am reading too much into it.
In any case I expect, as with any new track, that we will see some degradation of the surface in areas where the loading of the cars on the surface has not been through several years of testing with repeat races.
Chris Yu Rhee
12th October 2010, 11:02
I wonder if “satisfactory” has the same meaning as “nominal” (normal-nothing unusual) or if it means that it’s good enough, but not perfect…
Stephen Northcott
12th October 2010, 11:22
I suspect it’s the former.
But it would have been nice to hear a more confident endorsement from someone.
US_Peter (@us_peter)
12th October 2010, 19:47
I think they would either it’s satisfactory and the race will be held, or it’s not satisfactory and the race will be called off. I don’t think they’re using the word as a description, they’re simply saying it meets the criteria for the FIA.
Chris Yu Rhee
16th October 2010, 9:16
US_Peter,
I agree with you, but I also feel the same as Stephan. A more “exciting” word could have been used to help instill confidence in the track.
I will definately go to the race next year, and probably other events held there beforehand.
Hopefully the track will attract a lot of different events, like the Asian Festival of Speed (AFOS) and touring car-style races.
My biggest wish would be a Moto-GP or SBK Superbike type of race!
I miss motorcycle racing terribly…
Jim N
12th October 2010, 11:24
Just looked back at your old blog;
http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2008/06/07/when-tracks-go-crack/
possibly very relevant. It was after Spa in 1985 that the 90 day rule came in.
Cynical
12th October 2010, 9:05
Off topic but, has there been ANY occasion on track this year that one of the top 5 drivers has SUCESSFULLY made an ON TRACK (not in pits or retirements) overtaking move this year? I only remember turkey with Button/ Hamilton and even that was short lived.
Jeng Wei
12th October 2010, 9:12
Hamilton had 32 overtakes in the first 4 races.
Prisoner Monkeys (@prisoner-monkeys)
12th October 2010, 9:21
Button passing Hamilton in Canada.
aa
12th October 2010, 9:54
Vettel passing Webber… for a split second :)
sato113 (@sato113)
12th October 2010, 17:12
when did this happen?
Journeyer
13th October 2010, 3:47
Turkey. That’s a failed overtake, aa. :D
Todfod (@todfod)
12th October 2010, 9:53
Hamilton & Button on Alonso in Canada. Hamilton on Webber in Australia. I’m sure there are a couple of others .. just cant think of them right now.
Icthyes (@icthyes)
12th October 2010, 10:50
To add to the others, Hamilton on Button in Australia and Massa on Button in Malaysia.
Daffid
12th October 2010, 11:27
Are you serious? How about Webber passing Glock, Kobi, and Schumi at Singapore?
sato113 (@sato113)
12th October 2010, 17:12
i think he means one of the top 5 overtaking another driver from the top 5.
Cynical
12th October 2010, 9:09
Sorry, to clarify previous post ” an overtaking move by a top 5 driver on another top 5 driver. “Alonso, button webber,vettel, Hamilton “
Journeyer (@journeyer)
12th October 2010, 9:16
There’s an interesting question right there.
I remember Hamilton on Alonso in Canada, although Alonso dived into the pits right after that pass.
There was a lot of passing among the top 5 in China, but who passed who escapes me.
Dan Thorn (@dan-thorn)
12th October 2010, 10:18
Alonso passed Button at China but his engine blew up straight away. I think Button passed him earlier in the race too.
codesurge (@codesurge)
12th October 2010, 11:57
I believe it’s Malaysia where Alonso grenades his engine after dueling Button.
Dan Thorn (@dan-thorn)
12th October 2010, 14:31
That’s the one – sorry, brainfade!
sato113 (@sato113)
12th October 2010, 17:13
he didn’t overtake button anyway. well, it was a lunge that didn’t work.
Electrolite
13th October 2010, 0:47
Vettel on Webber in Tur- oh yeah.
cesium
13th October 2010, 12:27
hamilton on webber and alonso in canada
Prisoner Monkeys (@prisoner-monkeys)
12th October 2010, 9:29
Darn it, now that Korea is going ahead, the introduction of my guest article is going to have to be re-written …
wasiF1
12th October 2010, 9:30
I just wonder how much of that confirmation is because of Bernie? If it is really OK then I am looking forward for a great race.
Prisoner Monkeys (@prisoner-monkeys)
12th October 2010, 9:33
Bernie has no bearing over the FIA inspections. If a circuit is not up to standard and fails its inspection, then there is nothing he can do to make the race happen.
bosyber
12th October 2010, 10:30
I agree – I do think Bernie might have urged for giving Korea more time, resulting in this very late inspection, but in the end I can’t see Whiting and co. approving a circuit that is dangerous, that just doesn’t make sense. He and FIA would lose a lot of credibility, too much for them to let that happen, in my opinion.
BBQ2
12th October 2010, 11:55
With money, you can approve everything ….. in BE’s pocket :-(
Manu
12th October 2010, 13:10
Let’s hope the track isn’t as boring as it looks.
Chalky
12th October 2010, 14:13
Any long range weather forcasts for the race?
I mean if they have rain like in Suzuka, it’ll be a bit difficult for the water to disperse. I can see poor fans getting very muddy.
It’s not exactly the Monaco of Asia that you get from watching the Red Bull promotion video.
Chris
12th October 2010, 16:51
I reckon it will be another boring race. It looks so similar to Hungary which is one of the worst races to watch on TV.
sato113 (@sato113)
12th October 2010, 17:16
similar to hungary? I think not. Korea has 3 long straights. a high speed section and some basic 90 degree turns at the end.
hungary has one straight, and lots of medium speed corners.
And1star
12th October 2010, 16:57
Excellent news! When will we see a video of the track?
Merk
12th October 2010, 20:07
F1 2010… I think its funny how the track in the game looks completely different from what it actually looks like for this race weekend. I guess all they could have done is assume it would look like the concept drawings.
gaz
12th October 2010, 20:52
can t wait for this one……tarmac only laid last week…this is world rally meets f1….wheres kimi??
Toby Bushby
12th October 2010, 23:45
What’s with “Harry High-Pants” Charlie Whiting’s dress sense? Even Bernie does a better job, and he’s practically mummified! :D
Gill
13th October 2010, 7:30
The person who is least happy hering this news will be Webber. Coz this gives his rivals more races to catch him.
Doug
13th October 2010, 8:53
Umm, has anyone seen in the picture of Charlie inspecting the circuit. The pit lane looks to be in dire shape.
glenn may
14th October 2010, 1:39
So what happened to all of those people who just weeks ago said the the Koreans could not finish the track? I don’t expect any of them to admit they were wrong – that would require honesty and courage – but it would be nice if they would refrain from switching tactics to bashing the track before the racing even begins.
I know the euro-centric fans are proud of Silverstone or Spa, but it really doesn’t take anything away from those tracks to give circuits in different parts of the world a chance.
I’m American but have never seen an F1 race because no one in the U.S. has been able to get their act together to hold a race. Now that I live in Seoul, I’m looking forward to seeing my first F1 race. Give Korea a chance, folks.
Stephen Northcott
14th October 2010, 3:54
I’ll stand up and be counted. I didn’t think it would happen.
And technically of course, it shouldn’t be happening. The track was not ready in time for the final mandatory FIA inspection.
I also think that the track has likely been the victim of corruption in its construction process. It is in Asia, after all. Where I have lived and raced most of my life. A part of the world I love. But that is just the way of things here. Even in “Westernised” Asian nations.
Of course, the Korean track controversy will be nothing when compared to the disaster that the Indian track will be next year.
But none of those things detract from my enthusiasm for having the race in Korea. Especially as the track does appear to have some nice features to it, and hopefully won’t be as crippled as Valencia or Abu Dabi.
My fingers are firmly crossed for the construction quality of the track to be up to the task at hand. Something that we will only know once cars are on it and Charlie can’t possibly have tested when taking a look to sign it off.
Chris Yu Rhee
14th October 2010, 7:18
Count me too. It may be finished enough to hold the race, but it, as a whole, isn’t 100% finished. The punch list(things that still need to be done) is a PM’s nightmare, I bet.
Glenn, I’ve been in Korea for a looooong time, and done big construction projects here and in the states. The track was supposed to be finished for inspection in JULY. Koreans can’t blame the rain, either. They should have planned for it. I did in the past, and still do.
Poor planning and inexperience were the problems.
It’s a shame. I just hope everything goes off well.