Construction of circuit in final stage

With less than two months to go before the opening of the Formula One Korean Grand Prix, the country’s first ever F1 event, the construction of the circuit is now in its final stage, according to the event organizers.

The Korea Auto Valley Operation, the operating body of the Korean Grand Prix, announced Tuesday that the building of the 5.62-kilometer circuit is still underway but is scheduled for completion by the end of this week.

The South Jeolla Province circuit is the country’s first racing circuit that meets the standards of the FIA, the motor racing governing body.

Designed by renowned German architect Herman Tilke, it features traditional Korean elements such as the eaves of the Korean hanok at the main grandstand, which can accommodate up to 130,000 spectators, with 16,000 seats, according to the KAVO.

The key feature of the track is the 1.2 kilometer straight course, which is said to be the longest straight of any F1 circuit in Asia, allowing an F1 machine to drive up to 320 kph. 

KAVO said they are planning to hold a special ceremony, marking the completion of the circuit on Sept. 4-5. The Formula One team Red Bull, the current world reigning champion, will visit Korea to attend the special event at the circuit.
F1 driver Karun Chandok of India with the Red Bull will have a test run at the newly built circuit. The public can attend the two-day event at the Yeongam circuit, said KAVO. It added that elected people from the general public who apply at its website at www.koreanggp.kr will have a chance to have a test ride.

Korea’s inaugural F1 Grand Prix is scheduled to take place Oct. 22-24.

By Oh Kyu-wook (596story@heraldcorp.com)