Whiting completes first inspection of Korea International Circuit

With construction of the Korea International Circuit (KIC) on schedule for its August completion, the Korea Auto Valley Operation (KAVO) welcomed FIA Formula One Race Director and Safety Delegate Charlie Whiting for a site inspection on July 15, 2010. Whiting’s visit comes ahead of the inaugural 2010 FORMULA 1 KOREAN GRAND PRIX from October 22-24, 2010.

Korea Automobile Racing Association (KARA) Chairman, FIA Formula One Commission member and KAVO Chairman, Yung Cho Chung hosted Whiting for the scheduled visit during which he examined the facilities and the track, including the completed race control tower, the main grand stand, the pit garages, and the 5.615km track.

Whiting made a detailed inspection of the facility and was briefed on the construction schedule, after which he expressed his satisfaction with the progress. The next inspection is scheduled for the end of August.

Said Mr. Chung: “Last week KARA and KAVO welcomed Charlie Whiting for a site inspection of the Korea International Circuit, as well as for meetings relating to our preparations for the FORMULA 1 KOREAN GRAND PRIX. As anticipated, we had a successful visit and we are confident the drivers, teams and Formula 1 fans will enjoy the Korea International Circuit.”

The 2010 FORMULA 1 KOREAN GRAND PRIX is the latest addition to a string of major, international sporting events successfully hosted by the country, including the Seoul Olympics in 1988 and the World Cup in 2002. The event has the full backing of South Korea’s Central Government, as well as the Government of South Jeolla Province, where the circuit is located, and its Governor Mr. Park Jun-yeong.

The Korea International Circuit is designed as a dual structure: the 5.615km Formula 1 track, which will include elements of a street circuit and has a 1.2km straight, and a shorter, permanent circuit of 3.045km.

The track was designed by the world-renowned Hermann Tilke, and incorporates local elements such as the roof of the main grandstand which resembles the eaves of traditional Korean ‘hanok’ houses. A total of 130,000 spectators will be accommodated at the circuit, with 16,000 seats in the main grandstand.

The addition of the 2010 FORMULA 1 KOREAN GRAND PRIX to the FIA Formula One World Championship calendar is expected to represent a watershed for development of the motorsport industry in Korea, as well as bring economic benefits to the area.