FIA official told Korea to host GP – report
The crucial inspection of Korea’s new formula one circuit is proceeding well, an official said late on Monday. The FIA’s Charlie Whiting arrived at the Yeongam venue on Monday and began a two-day inspection that will seal the fate of the event scheduled for October 24.
“Going on foot, (he) has been checking every corner of the track,” said a spokesman for race organisers KAVO, according to a Sapa-AFP wire report.
“So far we have received positive remarks from him, and we are confident that the track will pass the inspection which focused on its safety and appropriateness,” added spokesman Kim Jae-ho.
It is believed the FIA will announce the outcome of the inspection on Wednesday.
“The race is going ahead.” – Carlos Gracia
Spain’s leading FIA official has been told the inaugural Korean grand prix will go ahead as scheduled in two weeks. Charlie Whiting is only inspecting the Yeongam venue on Monday and Tuesday, but it is believed that selected media have essentially been briefed to the effect that nothing will now lead to the cancellation of the October 24 event.
That follows the latest information and photographs to emerge from Korea, showing that the top layer of asphalt is now complete and curing, that kerbs and barriers are in place and the basic building infrastructure able to accommodate the teams and media.
Indeed, Spain’s AS newspaper said Whiting’s inspection early this week is a “mere formality”.
“The race is going ahead. This has been confirmed at Suzuka to the president of the Real Federacion Espanola de Automovilismo, Carlos Gracia,” said the report.
Gracia is also a member of the FIA’s authoritative World Motor Sport Council.
source: GMM