Korean promoter denies F1 track delay reports

Organisers of October’s inaugural Korean grand prix have denied reports the race could be called off.

The German news magazine Focus has claimed that the circuit under construction in Yeongam may not be completed in time.

F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone was reported to have travelled straight from Malaysia to South Korea and was poised to make a decision about the cancellation within days.

Focus quoted the track’s German designer and advisor Hermann Tilke as saying he was "concerned the venue is not going to be finished on time".

But on Monday, the BBC quoted Chung Yung-Cho, of local promoters Korea Auto Valley Operation (KAVO), as saying: "The construction progress is well ahead of its schedule and we have absolutely no issues with completion."

He added: "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."