Korea insists track will be ready for debut grand prix

Advertisement

3D fly-through of Korean grand prix course

Organisers of the inaugural Korean Grand Prix have reassured Formula 1 officials that construction of the track will be completed on time.

The Yeongam course is scheduled to host the grand prix on 24 October.

Reports from Germany suggested the Herman Tilke-designed circuit may not be ready in time for its debut.

But Korea racing chief Chung Yung-Cho said: "The construction progress is well ahead of its schedule and we have absolutely no issues with completion."

Korea was handed its first Formula 1 race in September last year when the 19 venues for the 2010 season were announced.

606: DEBATE Bernie Ecclestone travelled to South Korea amid rumours of serious problems with the construction. Czar-orac

The track is situated in the south-west of the country about 250 miles from capital Seoul and designed by German architect Tilke, who dreamed up the layouts of the new tracks in Malaysia, China, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi.

But despite Tilke's concerns that the construction of the 135,000-seater track may not be completed on time, promoter Korea Auto Valley Operation chief executive Chung said everything was to the standards of F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

"I understand that Mr Ecclestone is quite happy with not only the progress of the track but the direction the Korean F1 race is headed and he has raised no questions and concerns," added Chung.