The organisers of the upcoming Korean Grand Prix have once again reiterated that their plans are on schedule, saying that there is no danger of the race being postponed ahead of its debut on the calendar later this year.
The Korea International Circuit is set to be the latest Tilkedrome to make its debut on the Formula One schedule, with the first F1 race at the track set for October 24th, round 17 of the 2010 season.
And despite the fact that the race has been dogged by rumours that it will be postponed this year, with some suggesting that the track will not be ready on time and others pointing to the current political tensions between South and North Korea, the organisers are still confident the race will go ahead.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Korea Auto Valley Operation, Yung Cho Chung, was quoted on Tuesday as saying that: "We are extremely pleased with the progress of the circuit, facilities, and preparations for the Formula 1 Korean Grand Prix.
"Construction is on schedule for completion this summer, and we have encountered no obstacles whatsoever, either logistical or political."
He added that: "The Government, at both the central and provincial level, is fully supportive of the project, and the entire country looks forward to welcoming Formula 1 to South Korea this autumn."
The track is currently described as being '80% complete', and is set to undergo a final surfacing in July in preparation for its F1 debut.
F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone recently visited the track to check on progress, and although he seemed satisfied about the construction of the 5.615-km track, he was quoted on the political situation as saying that: "If there is [war], we won't be there obviously."
Only this week, the North Korean ambassador to the UN, Sin Son Ho, engaged in renewed saber-rattling, saying that: "Our people and army will smash our aggressors with merciless counter reaction if they dare to provoke us despite our repeated demands and warnings."
The tension follows the sinking of a South Korean warship in March, which was blamed on an attack by a North Korean vessel.
Media reports have indicated that Formula One teams are yet to charter flights to move their equipment to Korea, and have yet to book flights and hotels for their staff.
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