From GMM
Race organisers hit back amid widespread reports the inaugural Korean grand prix was in real danger of being called off.
F1 teams, media and personnel are concerned that - despite FIA rules requiring a final track inspection 90 days before a new event - the uncertainty about Korea is still growing just three weeks before they are due to fly to the east Asian nation.
The final inspection deadline is becoming farcical, with a Korean official now confirming that it will take place on October 11 -- after much of the sport's freight has left Suzuka.
There is also the issue of the world championship, with the title protagonists not really sure if there are 3 or 4 contests still to run.
"We will have no problem in hosting the race on October 24 as we have almost completed work," a spokesman for organiser KAVO is quoted in a Sapa/AFP wire report on Monday.
He insisted that the track will be ready by Charlie Whiting's October 11 inspection.
"We will rush to complete work and FIA officials will see a complete circuit when they conduct a final inspection in two weeks. We take Ecclestone's remarks seriously as a message that we have to step up preparations for the race," said the spokesman.
Two of F1's leading team bosses have admitted they, like F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, have concerns about the forthcoming Korean grand prix.
On paper, there are four races left to run on the 2010 calendar, but real concerns that the new Yeongam circuit will not be ready to host its inaugural race on October 24.
A crucial consideration is that whether there are 3 or 4 races left to run has an impact on how the teams -particularly those battling for the title- will approach the rest of the season.
McLaren, for instance, is hoping Korea stays on the calendar, given the points deficits of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button.
"We would like four races but from what we hear there are a lot of concerns. Bernie and the Koreans will work on that, and we will concentrate on going to the next race in Suzuka and maximising the points," said team boss Martin Whitmarsh.
Red Bull, meanwhile, has a better insight than most about Korea, after Karun Chandhok recently completed a demonstration of the track at the wheel of an old F1 car.
"We were there a few weeks ago and they were well on course with it, so we're pretty confident, at the moment all the flights are still booked," said Christian Horner.
With Mark Webber leading the championship and his teammate Sebastian Vettel further behind, team boss Horner admitted his drivers have different opinions about the fate of the Korean round.
"Mark would say no (to Korea) and Sebastian would say yes, and obviously from a team point of view it (cancellation) wouldn't be a bad thing either. But I think we'll definitely be in Korea. I had a chat with (Ecclestone) earlier -- he now seems pretty confident," added Christian Horner.
Race organisers hit back amid widespread reports the inaugural Korean grand prix was in real danger of being called off.
F1 teams, media and personnel are concerned that - despite FIA rules requiring a final track inspection 90 days before a new event - the uncertainty about Korea is still growing just three weeks before they are due to fly to the east Asian nation.
The final inspection deadline is becoming farcical, with a Korean official now confirming that it will take place on October 11 -- after much of the sport's freight has left Suzuka.
There is also the issue of the world championship, with the title protagonists not really sure if there are 3 or 4 contests still to run.
"We will have no problem in hosting the race on October 24 as we have almost completed work," a spokesman for organiser KAVO is quoted in a Sapa/AFP wire report on Monday.
He insisted that the track will be ready by Charlie Whiting's October 11 inspection.
"We will rush to complete work and FIA officials will see a complete circuit when they conduct a final inspection in two weeks. We take Ecclestone's remarks seriously as a message that we have to step up preparations for the race," said the spokesman.
Two of F1's leading team bosses have admitted they, like F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, have concerns about the forthcoming Korean grand prix.
On paper, there are four races left to run on the 2010 calendar, but real concerns that the new Yeongam circuit will not be ready to host its inaugural race on October 24.
A crucial consideration is that whether there are 3 or 4 races left to run has an impact on how the teams -particularly those battling for the title- will approach the rest of the season.
McLaren, for instance, is hoping Korea stays on the calendar, given the points deficits of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button.
"We would like four races but from what we hear there are a lot of concerns. Bernie and the Koreans will work on that, and we will concentrate on going to the next race in Suzuka and maximising the points," said team boss Martin Whitmarsh.
Red Bull, meanwhile, has a better insight than most about Korea, after Karun Chandhok recently completed a demonstration of the track at the wheel of an old F1 car.
"We were there a few weeks ago and they were well on course with it, so we're pretty confident, at the moment all the flights are still booked," said Christian Horner.
With Mark Webber leading the championship and his teammate Sebastian Vettel further behind, team boss Horner admitted his drivers have different opinions about the fate of the Korean round.
"Mark would say no (to Korea) and Sebastian would say yes, and obviously from a team point of view it (cancellation) wouldn't be a bad thing either. But I think we'll definitely be in Korea. I had a chat with (Ecclestone) earlier -- he now seems pretty confident," added Christian Horner.