South Korean Grand Prix on schedule, say organisers

Monaco: South Korea`s new Formula One circuit is on schedule to be finished by July next year ahead of the country`s debut in October, organisers said on Thursday.

"It is totally on plan," Kevin Lee, general manager of strategic planning, told reporters at a Monaco motorsport business forum."We have a plan to finish the whole construction work at the circuit on July 5 next year and up until now it is roughly 60 percent done," he added. "We work together with other people, (Hermann) Tilke is our engineering consultant and they are very happy with the progress of the construction at the circuit," said Lee. "We are on schedule for next year." The official Formula One calendar is due to be published on Friday with South Korea`s arrival expanding the championship to a record-equalling 19 races from 17 this year. Canada is also returning after a year`s absence. The Korea Auto Valley Operation (KAVO) is building a 3.4 mile track on the coast of the southwestern region of South Cholla province some 300-350km (185-215 miles) from Seoul.The Oct. 17 race is due to take place in daylight hours although Lee said organisers, who are expecting a 120,000-strong race day crowd, might consider moving to a night-time slot in a few years` time. Cruise liners may have to be rented to provide additional hotel rooms but local accommodation was guaranteed for teams and Formula One personnel. Bureau Report