FIA approves Korea circuit for inaugural race

Charlie Whiting on Tuesday gave Korea’s new formula one circuit the thumbs-up.

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.

But, based on a media statement issued by race organisers KAVO, the major wire agencies AFP, AP and Reuters said Briton Whiting approved the circuit on Tuesday.

However, legitimate doubts remain, particularly after rain fell on the newly laid and curing top layer of racing asphalt overnight.

A photograph reportedly taken at the circuit on Monday show a bridge over the start-finish straight still under construction, while the circuit’s main access road is apparently not yet sealed and the entire site not fully fenced.

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."