WHO’S NOT?
The Korean International Circuit. There are all sorts of rumours flying about
the paddock that the second running of the Korean Grand Prix might be its
last, and frankly I’m not surprised. The circuit only opened again last week
after nearly 12 months spent under wraps. When a track is used that little
it does not take long for cracks to start appearing and this circuit is
already looking tired and shabby.
Then there are the hotels. I didn’t come to this race in 2010 but I heard all
the stories; the ‘love motels’ in nearby Mokpo where the rooms are furnished
with all sorts of weird and wonderful accoutrements.
Fortunately I am at the one big hotel near the track with most of the drivers
and team principals but even that is a bit rough around the edges. It may
sound pampered — and there is a certain charm to proceedings out here — but
the novelty wears off and at the end of the day F1 is a sport built on
sponsorship and glamour. There are no sponsors here and I can’t imagine
teams bringing many international clients here in the future. Apart from
anything else it is 300km south of Seoul.
CIRCUIT
Actually this track is not bad from a driver’s perspective, barring some
design flaws such as the pit-lane exit going around the outside of turn one.
on Friday that led to a collision between Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg and Toro
Rosso’s Jaime Alguersuari. The first sector is full of super-long straights,
thereafter it gets more technical. It is very difficult to know what
condition the track will be in as it has not really been used for a year and
was covered in rain on Friday.
WEATHER
Expected to be dry.
PREDICTION
Difficult to know if McLaren’s pace — Lewis was fastest yesterday with Jenson
second — was for real in the wet weather. But assuming it was then McLaren
must be favourites for the win. This morning’s qualifying may be less
important than usual as there are expected to be so many pit-stops in the
race due to the tyre compounds chosen and the DRS movable rear wing.
TV TIMES
Qualifying: Saturday 6am BBC ONE
Korean GP: Sunday 7am BBC ONE