FIA Approves Korean Grand Prix Circuit

For the first time, the Formula One Championship will head to Korea International for a Formula One Race, October 22^nd through the 24^th. This circuit was recently approved by the FIA and it is located in Yeongam. The circuit was described as satisfactory by FIA Approves Race Director Charlie Whiting, who said that the mandatory license that the FIA requires will be issued through the Korea Automobile Racing Association. Race Promoter Yung Cho Chung said that the Korean International Circuit had been constructed to the highest standards and called it the epicentre of motorsport.

The Korean International Circuit's race will consist of 55 laps, with each lap a distance of 5.621 kilometers and a total race distance of 309.155 kilometers. This will be the third race from the end on the Formula One calendar, followed by the Brazilian Grand Prix, November 5^th through the 7^th and ending with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, November 12^th through the 14^th. The Korean Grand Prix Circuit is backed by South Korean Central Government, and the Government of South Jeolla Province, which is where the circuit is located.

The Korean International Circuit was designed by Herman Tilke and the track is both temporary and permanent. The temporary part is on the harbor side of the province, where there are hotels and yachts that will be able to view the race. The deal for the Korean Grand Prix is for seven years, with an option for five years once that expires. The circuit will also see the Korea Super Prix return this year, which is a Formula Three event that was held previously in Changwon City Raceway and it was last held in 2003.