The Formula 1 is waiting today to hear whether or not the Korean Grand Prix is going to happen. The problem is with the track surface. The final layer of tarmac has yet to be laid. The race in now less than four weeks away, and the surface will need about three weeks to cure. If the surface has not been down long enough there will be all manner of oil coming to the surface, which will make it very difficult for the racers. Much really depends on the weather. We expect an announcement soon, and if not we can assume that the race is going ahead.
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joeblogsf1 
Hi Joe,
Excellent blog as always.
What happens if the Korean race does not happen for whatever reason.. does formula 1 have a ‘back up’ / stand by track which they can use?
Kris
Kris,
Not at this late notice
The track record for these non-traditional events is not exactly 100%, is it?
Multi-year deal for Fuji = cancelled
Simon Gillett at Donington = Wheatcroft Agonistes
Korea = a skating rink in a construction site, if it even goes ahead (should be good for Jenson if it does though)
Austin = needs to put shovels in the ground by December, but environmental and traffic assessments somehow slipped Tavo Hellmund’s mind
You know, if it didn’t know better I’d think that someone at the commercial rightsholder isn’t really being as diligent as they should be…
And if not…? Back-up venue, double header or one less race?
I wonder if the FIA would fine CVC for trying to put on a race without knowing it would happen? Nah, would never happen, but should!
I wonder who will re-fund the travel costs of people that had to be there? CVC or the FIA for approving the race?
I think its time that “The Commercial Rights Holder” took responsobilty for the promotion of events and cut out one more middle man. If this was to happen I suspect F1 events would take on a very different look. No spectators, No pre-race promotion (Why would you need that with no spectators?) A very “green” event, no hot dog wrappers to pick up etc. No traffic jams, look out Austin, the rules are coming to your rescue!
Joe,
Better purchase a refundable air ticket .
What a way to run a ” race ” !
My experience of Korea was that they will do things, but, this tight a schedule is crazy.
Even if the tarmac is laid down, what will happen to it?
Remember SPA, 1985 ?
Without liability I offer the following observation,
Dear Bernie and Korea F1 track contractor,
You could use stone mastic asphalt, which has a low bleed mass and very short early curing, as used by Carillion in Greenwich Park, on the road through to Greenwich town centre, laid in 1991.
Joe
Great blog and this is my first post
So, if the race does not go ahead and there is no back-up plan, does this not put the title contenders with less points (everyone except Alonso & Webber) into a more difficult position to win the championship?
Surely the teams will kick up a stink, as they have signed up for 19 races, expecting to race in 19 races, but unable to – therefore missing out on the available points?
What are your thoughts Joe?
Thanks
Jon
boltonjon,
The fact that it is Tuesday and no word has come from Korea suggests to me that the race is going ahead. The decision was going to be made yesterday
Well the last time I remeber a short term race being put on was the European at Brands Hatch sometime in the mid ’80’s. It was my first GP since 1966. Picknick by the car on Southbank. Went back for the British in the summer and there wasn’t a place to stand, let alone sit.
Went home and watched it on the telly.
Just stay in Japan and race there twice? I can’t be the only racing enthusiast who’d like TWO races on one of the best circuits.
Plus, it would hammer their failure home to the Koreans if the Japanese bailed them out.
F1 has to be the least professionally run sport in the world. They have all these procedures to ensure things are run competently but when they get a negative result they just ignore the procedures.
Circuit inspections have been delayed for all sorts of ridiculous reasons like public holidays. This is reminiscent of all USF1 passing all its assessments when everyone knew it was a disaster. Only Peter Windsor thought it was on target till his own shop floor put him straight.
It is time the FIA and F1 became professionals. It is time the calendar was announced a year in advance and the rule that no circuit could apply for a GP until it had scuccessfully hosted an international race meeting was re-instated.
Could always have an extra race … how about Aida 😉
Cynic,
How very cynical
What’s the latest then? Do we know if the bloody tarmac is down?!?!?!