Korean track “90% complete” (Pictures)
30th August 2010, 9:59 by Keith Collantine 87 Comments »
The Korean International Circuit is “90% complete” according to the race promoters.
It will hold its first event on Saturday with Karun Chandhok doing a demonstration run in a Red Bull.
The circuit will host the inaugural Korean Grand Prix on October 24th.
An Asian Festival of Speed event including a round of the Formula BMW Pacific championship was originally planned for last weekend but had to be postponed. A new date for the event has not been set yet.
The Korea Auto Valley Operation released images showing the race control, pits and other buildings around the track:
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- Korean International Circuit – Race Control Building
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- Korean International Circuit – Pit Building
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- Korean International Circuit – Grandstand
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- Korean International Circuit – Media Centre
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- Korean International Circuit – Team Buildings
Read more: 2010 Korean Grand Prix
Simon said on 30th August 2010, 10:09
Please, please, please dont be another Bahrain or Yabba Dabba Doo
Lachie said on 30th August 2010, 13:47
Legard annoys me but no more than when he goes on about ‘Abba Dabby’
Dan Garcia said on 30th August 2010, 16:32
It is worth telling him again that Abu Dhabi is not in Wales. It always sounds like Abberdhabhi
daykind said on 30th August 2010, 17:55
He is Welsh though.
Hamish said on 30th August 2010, 10:11
These photos are as reassuring as the ones the North Korean media released when there were questions over Kim Jong Ils health a year or two back.
I hope it all comes to fruition. I read somewhere they want somewhat of a Monaco feel with boats/yachts being able to dock close to the race track.
troutcor said on 30th August 2010, 16:02
I think you need learn more about South Korea. While the world media zeroes in on Kim Jong Il (it’s a nice excuse to make jokes about Asians), South Korea has become a world-beater in electronics, computers, steel and yes, automobiles and construction. Check how Hyundai sales have grown in the U.S. – during a huge recession. Or maybe you’ve noticed who is timing your F1 races: LG of South Korea. What are Britain’s growth industries these days? Unemployment lines?
When South Koreans set a goal, they stick to it. Trust me, I live here. And I look forward to being at the race. Got my tickets Saturday.
Einar AI said on 30th August 2010, 18:06
I think youre wrong to prop up Soutth Korea’s image right here, Hamish said nothing to attack/criticize your country. And you know, hes right – these photos dont say much; especially as the frames are fitted to the buildings. Nothing but the buildings can be seen.
You should first read and understand one’s comment and then go on to meaninglessly defend your country and attack UK. That was uncalled for. If you cant read english, please use google translate. I’m quite positive theyll translate english into korean for you.
BasCB said on 30th August 2010, 20:21
From these pictures, i just had the feeling they are showing us those things that are actually finished.
You can see they did the base layer of asphalt (will be just about dried out enough by next weekend), and will have those most essential buildings ready and the track itself just in time.
The rest will have to wait for next years GP to be shown in its full glory as it will just not be ready.
Hamish said on 30th August 2010, 23:30
Didn’t see that one coming!
Electrolite said on 31st August 2010, 17:01
Hmm? What provoked this?
Ads21 said on 30th August 2010, 10:13
Nice quote from Stefano on Korea:
“I think a cancellation would be a problem for everyone in the championship fight. But right now I am expecting that the race will take place. If there is still a gravel road, then we will have to get Kimi [Raikkonen] back!”
Keith Collantine said on 30th August 2010, 10:15
Like it!
F1 Novice said on 30th August 2010, 10:37
I think Bernie’s got aback-up plan to hold it at Aragon if it isn’t completed in time
http://www.motorlandaragon.com/pagEstaticaVelocidad.aspx?id=42
Jason said on 30th August 2010, 12:09
He approached them. They declined.
F1 Novice said on 30th August 2010, 12:43
Maybe Paul Ricard then he owns it doesn’t he ?
Jason said on 30th August 2010, 13:22
No. If, for whatever reason, the Korean Grand Prix does not go ahead – an incomplete circuit, Kim Jong-Il going nuts, a meteor; whatever – there will not be a repalcement race. Bernie wanted Aragon to stand in as a replacement, but they declined. There have since been no plans for any other circuit to fill in. Besides, the race is still fifty-odd days away. There’s plenty of time to finish it.
sato113 said on 31st August 2010, 1:03
where did you read that?
bbt said on 30th August 2010, 10:31
Looks like a problem to me, joking
….
Does the track run past the media centre? You’d need a lawn mower not a F1 car.
But seriously, they look like cold war buildings at the moment. Maybe just the close angle shots.
Robert McKay said on 30th August 2010, 10:32
I’d have thought after the previous leaked photos of the unlaid tarmac they might actually have released some photos of the TRACK to try and allay everyone’s fears.
bosyber said on 30th August 2010, 10:37
Yes, I agree – pictures of buildings don’t reassure when we hear the tarmac isn’t ready yet. I hope Chandok doesn’t have to use a rally car!
Ads21 said on 30th August 2010, 10:54
Yer the 10% they haven’t completed is the laying the tarmac on the track. Just a minor detail really
Reminds me of the scene in the West Wing where they’re testing ICBM intercepters, and the military insists the test was a success as they successfully acheived 9 out of 10 of the objectives of the test. But Bartlet points out the 10th target was to intercept the missile and they missed by several miles!
In Korea they’ve completed 90% of the venue but the whole purpose of the venue is to hold a Grand Prix and they haven’t provided much evidence that the curcuit is anything but a dirt track with nice pit buildings at the moment.
Keith Collantine said on 30th August 2010, 11:01
I have asked them for pics of the track, if I can get any I’ll either add them here or do a new story.
PJ said on 31st August 2010, 13:46
In the meantime take a look at the track through the eyes of F1 2010:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-MrMlxK2sw
Bullfrog said on 30th August 2010, 12:34
Typical Tilke. Do the buildings first, and fit the track in around them.
Jason said on 30th August 2010, 14:00
Actually, the buildings take much longer to complete than the surface. And because a surface that lies dormant for months gets dusty, it’s better to complete it last rather than first.
Ads21 said on 30th August 2010, 14:03
You’re probably right, but I’m just slightly skeptical about the pace of the whole project. But I do hope they do manage to finish it in time.
BasCB said on 30th August 2010, 20:23
you can see a strip of asphalt running in front of the race control building. Not the top finish, just the first layer.
I suppose they will give us some nice shots after next Saturday when they have Karun driving around on it.
slr said on 30th August 2010, 10:33
I heard that if South Korea’s political problems with North Korea intensify, then the race won’t happen.
Hamish said on 30th August 2010, 12:11
The political situation has been fluctuating for years. Just because the media is reporting on it doesn’t mean its something new.
The chances of the race being cancelled due to friction with the North – minimal, virtually non existant.
Jason said on 30th August 2010, 14:01
Bernie has said the only thing that will stop the race is either an invasion of the North, or an invasion by the North.
BasCB said on 30th August 2010, 20:25
I think he said, that even in that case he would try to let it go through ;-D
Hamish said on 30th August 2010, 23:32
Therefore the race will be going ahead.
Jason said on 31st August 2010, 5:18
Knowing Bernie, he could probably convince Kim Jong-Il and Barack Obama to hold off on the invasion until after the Grand Prix …
Mike said on 31st August 2010, 6:20
He is a shrewd business man our Bernie.
Mike said on 30th August 2010, 10:38
Those photos are angled suspiciously away from the track,
Like they don’t want anyone to see it.
I hope this is a reflection of the build up of suspense before a new circuit is unveiled
And not a reflection of the quality of the track and the prevailing fear of the organisers that some pundits might say startled as if surprised by their own intelligence, “Wait a minute…. I see what you’ve done here… This is another Tilkedrome isn’t it?!?” To which the organisers may just hang their heads in shame.
Peter said on 30th August 2010, 10:46
I have visited the track in July and they had nothing. Seeing this buildings is really reassuring, don’t worry about the track. It will be there.
Koreans are a proud nation, they would rather work 24/7 on the project than risk loosing prestige. Also, when they say it will be finished, it will be finished.
Remember, we are talking about a country that rebuilt itself from zero in 50 years and became one of the leading economies.
Oh and somebody mentioned North Korea as a possible issue. That is just nonsense!
Robin S said on 30th August 2010, 12:49
Peter, will you go? If so what stand? I have tickets in H-a but looking for info to see if there is a better stand. Cheers
Peter said on 30th August 2010, 15:47
I really wish I could, but I won’t be in Korea. Have fun tho!
HounslowBusGarage said on 30th August 2010, 10:45
Yes, these low angle shots just make me more suspicious, to be honest. Why would you crop the base off a shot of the grandstand unless you didn’t want to show what was the the foot of the building?
Chaos? Mud?
Jim N said on 30th August 2010, 11:01
I agree. The exterior of the buildings to this standard should have been finished months ago so they tell us nothing. It’s the interior fit out that takes the time and I see no evidence of that. Look at photos of the buildings and grandstands for the 2012 olympics and most look as finished as this. I hope it happens but these photos in no way reassure. Photos of finished track, building interiors etc that would reassure. But maybe I’m just suspicious.
Robert McKay said on 30th August 2010, 11:05
Yeah I’m with you. I still ultimately think it will happen, simply that, as an exercise in allying everyone’s fear about the event, these at best don’t help and at worst only reinforce further fears.
But if Keith’s on the case asking for more photos, then we’ll hopefully get a more reassuring pic soon.
BasCB said on 30th August 2010, 20:28
For some reason i don’t really care about the fitting of the interior of those buildings. The teams bring everything themselves, as od the TV crews.
Only thing they need to do now is get the second and top layer of asphalt on it and let it settle to be good for the GP.
This should take some weeks to do, so it might get as close as Withmarsh said (“finishing it only the night before the teams arrive, but ready it will be”, or something like that).
dave said on 30th August 2010, 11:38
looks really inspiring (sarcasm)
sato113 said on 30th August 2010, 16:36
lol comment off the day!
Wificats said on 30th August 2010, 11:51
Listening to the 5 Live coverage of Friday practice, David Croft had spoken to Hermann Tilke, who reassured him that it would be ready on time (Although he would say that wouldn’t he?)
Karun Chandhok said on the same programme that there would certainly be tarmac for him to drive on, so that combined with the pictures of the buildings suggests that it might just be a matter of some unfinished interior building fittings or incomplete road markings or access roads at the moment, nothing that can’t be fixed in the next month.
That said, I also saw an IGN preview of the F1 2010 game, where they said that having raced on the Korean Cirucit, it was “another Tilke bore-o-drome” so we needn’t get our hopes up.
Jason said on 30th August 2010, 12:11
The pictures may not actually show tarmac, but that’s not a problem. Laying tarmac is always he final step, and it doesn’t actually take that long. You could probably knock five kilometres over in the space of a week. It’s more important to have the site graded and the base laid.
Robert McKay said on 30th August 2010, 12:52
I thought I read/heard somewhere that although you can lay the tarmac quickly, it actually takes a surprisingly long time to “dry” and be ready for racing.
But I may well have picked that up wrong.
Jason said on 30th August 2010, 13:19
No, not really. The big issues is the weather; if it rains before the surface is set, the water can seem through the cracks and erode the base, and if that happens, you’ve got no choice but to tear it up and start over. If done properly, tarmac doesn’t actually take that long to set. Tarmac is essentially gravel that has been coated in hot tar. As the tar sets, it binds together with all the other tar around it, effectively creating a thick crust. With the right application of pressure, the process can be accelerated, but if you apply too much pressure, you run the risk of destabilising the base. The base is really what the cars are driving on; the tarmac seals it in place to maintain its shape.
Anthony said on 30th August 2010, 12:15
Those facilites do indeed look intresting.
In no way will this be like Bahrain. The city that is proposed in the track will give a Monaco/Adelaide style feel and could make this a jewel in the crown in 10 years time.
Icthyes said on 30th August 2010, 12:31
To be honest, the less I can see the awful layout, the better!
Calum said on 30th August 2010, 15:10
I’d be too scared to go out to the Korean GP!! It’s next door to S Korea so anything could happen, and becuase it’s such an unpredictable country I fear many foreigners could be put off.
If i was going to an Asian race I’d much rather go to Suzuka anyway
Harry said on 30th August 2010, 15:21
The race is in South Korea. North Korea are the ‘bad guys’.
Ads21 said on 30th August 2010, 15:31
I’m sorry but the idea that S Korea is somehow an unsuitable country to host a Grand Prix is utterly ridiculous. Its a peacefull, prosperous democracy which doesn’t let its noisy neighbour to the North impact on its own stability. It proved when it successfully co-hosted the 2002 World Cup that it was a suitable venue for the world’s largest sporting event so why not a Grand Prix?
True the track might not be ready and when it is finished it might be rubbish but those are the only reasons why F1 fans might be put off visiting. I’m sure S Korea is lovely place to visit and as F1 Fanatic has such an international readership I’m sure someone who’s actually been can back me up on that.
Robert McKay said on 30th August 2010, 15:43
I’ve been to South Korea (there in 2009) and can exclusively reveal I was not nuked by Kim Jong Il.
Calum said on 30th August 2010, 16:36
I mean North Korea, apologies if anyone finds that offensive, it’s just my ignorance to the area. I would be apprehensive on attending the GP because of the neighbouring country’s bad reputation, but as has been said it would probably be fine given South Korea has held Olympics and World Cups. Plus North Korea is quite intravert and secretive.
Harry said on 30th August 2010, 15:20
Why is it so hard to find a mountainous bit of terrain somewhere, lay a track with some long straights, a tight hair-pin, a few slow chicanes and perhaps one fast corner? Slap in a few grandstands, a paddocks, and large access roads?
You just know what you’re gonna end up with in Korea, a boring track, full of style but no substance.
pat said on 31st August 2010, 3:23
being a korean myself, i too was extremely surprised at the selection of the location and the design of the circuit, and at the very most, i was somewhat disappointed. south korea is covered with mountains – i think its over 80% mountainous terrain and this is quite evident when travelling long distances as there are countless tunnels to pass under mountains. there is also another (very short) track in korea called “Taebaek Race Park” which is on a mountain and its layout is eerily close to the maze track in japan.
i would have loved to see a section of mountain being used as a circuit in korea with lots of elevation changes and challenging corners… something like suzuka, fuji or spa! i guess tilke had other things in mind.