From GMM
Charlie Whiting has confirmed reports he has given the thumbs-up to Korea's new formula one circuit.
The leading FIA official had been at the Yeongam site since Monday for the track's final readiness inspection, amid speculation it was not ready for its inaugural event next weekend.
Doubts had remained, however, after overnight rain fell on the curing top layer of asphalt, amid emerging reports of an incomplete bridge over the circuit and an unpaved main access road.
A media statement issued by race organisers KAVO, the major wire agencies AFP, AP and Reuters said Briton Charlie Whiting approved the circuit on Tuesday.
Charlie Whiting said on Tuesday: "It is satisfactory, and I will issue the license through KARA (Korea Automobile Racing Association)."
KARA chairman Chung Yung-cho welcomed the news.
"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 one fraternity to the Korea International Circuit for the first time," he said.
But the main concern is the still 'sweating' track surface, with the process of oil seeping to the top unlikely to be passed by the time of the first action next Friday.
"I think we've already made the tyres, so we have to try," said Bridgestone's Hiroshi Yasukawa. "Our tyres are equal for everybody. At this stage, wait and see."
Charlie Whiting has confirmed reports he has given the thumbs-up to Korea's new formula one circuit.
The leading FIA official had been at the Yeongam site since Monday for the track's final readiness inspection, amid speculation it was not ready for its inaugural event next weekend.
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| Photo: PR Plus Limited |
Doubts had remained, however, after overnight rain fell on the curing top layer of asphalt, amid emerging reports of an incomplete bridge over the circuit and an unpaved main access road.
A media statement issued by race organisers KAVO, the major wire agencies AFP, AP and Reuters said Briton Charlie Whiting approved the circuit on Tuesday.
Charlie Whiting said on Tuesday: "It is satisfactory, and I will issue the license through KARA (Korea Automobile Racing Association)."
 |
| Photo: PR Plus Limited |
KARA chairman Chung Yung-cho welcomed the news.
"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 one fraternity to the Korea International Circuit for the first time," he said.
But the main concern is the still 'sweating' track surface, with the process of oil seeping to the top unlikely to be passed by the time of the first action next Friday.
"I think we've already made the tyres, so we have to try," said Bridgestone's Hiroshi Yasukawa. "Our tyres are equal for everybody. At this stage, wait and see."
 |
| Photo: PR Plus Limited |