The inaugural Korean Grand Prix will go ahead as planned later this month after the venue passed an FIA inspection on Tuesday.
Venue given all-clear by FIA
The inaugural Korean Grand Prix will go ahead as planned later this month after the venue passed an FIA inspection on Tuesday.
There had been major doubts over the race at the Yeongam circuit on the weekend of October 24 following several delays in construction.
However, FIA race director Charlie Whiting gave the track the all-clear after two days of safety inspections.
"It is satisfactory, and I will issue the license through KARA (Korea Automobile Racing Association)," Whiting said in a statement issued by the race promoters.
Under the FIA's own regulations a new venue should normally be fit to hold an event 90 days before it is scheduled.
However, on this occasion that rule was broken as organisers, the Korea Auto Valley Operation (KAVO), were given every opportunity to ensure the facility is fit for purpose.
The 5.615km Korea International Circuit, situated 370km south of Seoul, only had the top layer of asphalt applied at the weekend.
Building site
New aerial images released on Monday showed the main grandstand, pit and paddock areas as apparently complete. However, much of the remainder of the circuit still resembled a building site.
KARA chairman Yung Cho-chung was relieved to finally get approval from the FIA.
"We are delighted that all works are now finished to the complete satisfaction of the FIA, and we join the whole of Korea in welcoming the Formula 1 fraternity to the Korea International Circuit for the first time," Yung said in a statement.
The go-ahead is good news for Championship contenders like Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button as there are still 75 points on offer instead of 50.
The duo are 28 and 31 points respectively behind pacesetter Mark Webber.
Cancellation would also have dealt a major blow to South Korea's plan to raise its profile as a tourism destination by investing heavily in global events such as the grand prix and next month's G20 summit, as well as a bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympics.
