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Korean International Circuit on schedule

ESPNF1 Staff
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An overhead view of the early construction work © Sutton Images
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Organisers of the Korean Grand Prix have moved to allay concerns their new circuit will not be ready in time for the inaugural race this year.

The new track is currently undergoing construction in Yeongam County, 320km south of the capital Seoul. The Korea Auto Valley Operation (KAVO) in control of the build, alongside renowned F1 circuit designer Hermann Tilke, is confident the facility will be ready in time for the Korean Grand Prix on October 24.

"The representative facilities of the circuit are in very good progress," KAVO CEO Yung Cho Chung said. "The racing track itself is at 70% completion rate and the main grandstand currently stands at 80%. The Formula One track is now visible. It may be completed in June at the earliest."

KAVO has a seven-year deal with Bernie Ecclestone to host the race, with an optional five-year extension. The track will be 3.5 miles in length and will feature Asia's longest straight, allowing for speeds up to 200mph. The grandstands will have a capacity of 135,000 people and KAVO has said it will focus on completing these F1 facilities first, with infrastructure for other forms of racing taking a back seat.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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