F1 Goes to Korea

by user Alex Holowczak

Bernie Ecclestone has announced there will be a Korean Grand Prix from 2010 onwards, held at a new, Hermann Tilke designed circuit in South Cholla Province.

Tilke has already designed some modern classic tracks, such as Sepang, Shanghai, Sakhir and Istanbul. However, Tilke is also famed for turning the Osterreichring into the A1 Ring, which ruined the entire circuit. He also removed a lot of character from Hockenheim and Fuji. Tilke is Bernie Ecclestone's favourite track designer. Although the A1 Ring and Hockenheim were slashed, they at least provide good racing (until the A1 Ring lost it's Grand Prix). The jury is out on Fuji.

This new circuit will be 5.45 km in length (3.4 miles). It will go along the harbour in South Cholla, before a temporary infield section will be built, that will become used for other things such as shops, cafes and restaurants after the F1 leaves.

The Korean Grand Prix will begin in 2010, and is the result of persistent attempts from Ecclestone to hold a race there.

In 1998, Korea was due to host a Grand Prix, but a track was not developed, resulting in Ecclestone suing the company that had received money to undertake the building work.

There has also been a ChampCar race scheduled for Korea, on a track that currently exists, in South Korea. But race promotion, and other track problems have led to the races cancellation for three consecutive years.

This shows the continuing trend toward the economic superpowers overtaking the traditional motor racing venues in terms of hosting a Grand Prix.

Nevertheless, the Korean circuit should be pleasing on the eye, even if initial glimpses don't seem to provide overtaking opportunities for the cars.

If only for the Monaco-esque scenery, I am looking forward to it.