Nervous track owners and FIA officials waited with baited breath this morning as drivers took to the new Korean race track in Yeongam for first practice ahead of Sunday’s maiden race. The move into this territory is indicative of the trend towards a growing race calendar and a migration into developing countries. For this weekend however, all eye are on Korea and first impressions seem to be good. As with any new track the surface is extremely slippery as the new tarmac has just been laid and the track is what motorsport bods call ‘green’ which essentially means fresh.
The track is a mix of long straights and twisty low and medium speed corners which shouldn’t favour one car in particular. The McLarens will likely be stronger on the long straights while red bull will excel in the twisties, The Ferrari is a good all rounder. The two sessions this morning haven’t really told us much, all teams and drivers seem fairly evenly matched as the track beds in.
The track has been generally well received by the drivers, they like the mix of straights and challenging corners as well as the many possible overtaking opportunities. The only area of concern to the drivers is the pit entry, the approach is blind and does not allow a good warning of drivers that are slowing to enter. Talks are occurring which may find a solution, extra kerbing on the inside of the corner may help.
Korea, although finished to all intents and purposes is not yet finished and it is intended to be part street part traditional track with the infield section seeing some significant infrastructure built up around it. Luckily Korea has bucked the trend for night races though and the race will be held at mid day meaning the drivers won’t need Oakley sunglasses or Oakley glasses to shield their eyes from the spotlights. They’ll surely all still be wearing designer sunglasses around the paddock however!
