F1 Korean Grand Prix Set for Oct. 14-16
12 teams to participate in the world's biggest motorsports event watched by 600 million viewers in 188 countries
The Formula One 2011 Korean Grand Prix is scheduled for Oct. 14-16 at Korea International Circuit in Samho-eup, Yeongam County, South Jeolla Province, hosted by FIA (Federation International de Automobile) and organized by the Formula One Korean Grand Prix Organizing Committee.
The biggest auto racing event in the world will have 12 international teams competing. The first practice run will take place on Oct. 14 followed by the second practice run later the same day. On Oct. 15 the third practice run will be held followed by the qualifying race in the afternoon. The final race will take place at 3 p.m. on the afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 16, the organizing committee said.
All 24 drivers run laps at any time during the first session of the qualifying round, with the seven slowest drivers assigned to starting positions 18 through 24. In the second session, the 17 fastest drivers from the first qualifier record lap times again. The bottom seven drivers are assigned starting positions 11 through 17. In the third session of the qualifier, there is a shootout among the final 10 competitors to determine the final starting positions.
In the final on Oct. 16, drivers form up on a grid as determined from the qualifying races and start in three-meter intervals. A podium ceremony will take place for the top three finishers, putting up the national flag and playing the national anthem of the winning driver. The participating teams include Red Bull, BMW, Renault, Ferrari and others. There are twelve teams with 500 to 600 staff per team. There are 24 participating drivers, two each per team. The event will be broadcast live on TV to 188 countries and viewed by around 600 million people, with about 300 firms sponsoring the event, whose history goes back 61 years to 1950. The Korea International Circuit is the first racetrack in South Korea to achieve the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) Grade-A standard. It is considered a milestone for Korean Motorsports, the organizing committee said. KIC's track is set counter-clockwise, which is not often seen. Out of 20 Circuits that are listed on the 2011 Formula One Calendar, only five countries have counter-clockwise tracks: Turkey, Brazil, Singapore, Abu Dhabi and South Korea. Most drivers are used to driving clockwise, so driving in the opposite direction provides an interesting challenge for the star racers.
The KIC has the longest straight track in Asia. The 12 km straight line allows drivers to reach blistering speed of up to 320 km per hour. Section 3 (main section) of the KIC has a wonderful view overlooking Yeongam Lake. The bridge design between the pit lane and the Main Grandstands is inspired by the style of Hanok, the traditional Korean house, and its beautiful style is a landmark of the Korea International Circuit.
Formula One (F1) is a large-scale motorsports event held around the world including parts of Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia. With roaring technology and the fascinating drama of speed, F1 succeeds in bringing over 4 million spectators to the races and 600 million television viewers in 188 countries annually. Indeed, F1 is highly rated as one of the big-three international sports along with the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics.
President and CEO Bernie Ecclestone of Formula One Management and Formula One Administration, said In a world of ever increasing media fragmentation, Formula One continues to be one of the few sports events that can attract a major audience, providing companies with a unique global marketing platform. No other sports event outside the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup provides such reach and audience levels. During the event, free shuttle service to the Korea International Circuit is available from the following transit stops: Muan Airport, Mokpo Train Station, Mokpo Bus Terminal, and 4 Transfer Parking Areas.
By air, Incheon Airport to Gimpo Airport, Muan Airport, to KIC. Incheon Airport, Gimpo Airport, Gwangju Airport,Gwamgju Bus Terminal and Mokpo Bus Terminal and KIC. By train, KTX Yongsan Station-Mokpo Train Station-KIC. By bus, Mokpo Bus Terminal to KIC. Yeongam Samho Bus Terminal to KIC. For more info, call 82-1588-3448 or 82-61-288-5080. nw
The final competition of Formula One Grand Prix held in Yeongam last year.
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