The organisers of the Korean Grand Prix have announced that more than 80,000 spectators turned out for the event last weekend to watch Formula One at the newly built 5.621 kilometre circuit for the very first time.
Although the weather created a number of problems on the Sunday, severely delaying the race, the promoters, the Korean Auto Valley Operation (KAVO), still hailed the event a ‘resounding success’.
“We are delighted at the success of the 2010 Formula One Korean Grand Prix, and the enormous, enthusiastic crowd has proved the sport already has a strong fan base here. We have overcome several challenges over the last few months, but our work is just beginning,” said KAVO Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Korea Automobile Association (KARA), Mr. Yung Cho Chung.
“The KIC is an important new facility for regional and international competition, but also one from which we will both develop the sport from the grass roots, and build a motorsport business and tourism hub.”
Hiroshi Yasukawa, Bridgestone’s Director of Motorsport and Lotus Chief Technical Officer Mike Gascoyne meanwhile both gave the event top marks.
“Today we witnessed a great first ever Korean Grand Prix,” said Yasukawa. “This was a tough event [due to the rain] and I must praise the FIA, the organisers, officials and marshals at the track as well as the teams for maintaining professionalism throughout. The organisers have done a fantastic job to bring F1 to this new and exciting market and I think many fans here and around the world enjoyed this superb race.”
Gascoyne continued: “It was great that we could go racing and give all the Korean fans and everyone who has put so much effort into making this race happen, the show they wanted to see. They were rewarded with an historic event, with the race finishing in the dark and some excellent action up and down the field.”
Mark Webber was also impressed and while he had a dismal race, crashing out early on, he was pleased with the way officials responded and made a few changes to the track after practice on Friday.
“It was an enjoyable track to drive. It had three very distinct sectors: long straights in Sector 1, some fast changes of direction in Sector 2 and some tighter corners in Sector 3. It was also a good technical challenge because we weren’t using maximum levels of downforce due to the long straights at the start of the lap.
“The organisers were also very accommodating. We suggested a couple of changes to the kerbs at the drivers’ briefing on Friday and the changes had been made by Saturday morning,” he added.
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