With 16 races gone the Formula 1 World Championship remains tighter than ever, with five drivers battling it out for the title. With only Brazil and Abu Dhabi to come, this weekend could make or break their chances as we head to Yeongam for the inaugural Korean Grand Prix. Before this article disappears into a realm of lazy references to North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, let’s just clarify at this point that the race is being hosted exclusively by South Korea, and nothing to do with their illustrious neighbours (As if we’d ever descend to such childish levels at Sport.co.uk… Herro?!)
Two months ago race organisers at Spa spoke of the difficulties the Belgians faced in continuing to host an annual Grand Prix, given the arrival of more lucrative venues worldwide. South Korea is just one of those places, whose economy seems to have by-passed the recession somewhat.
Contracted to host the race for seven years (with the option of extending for another five), the Korean International Circuit in Yeongam was finally given the go-ahead following last week’s successful inspection. There had been concerns that the event wouldn’t take place at all when a planned inspection in September had to be postponed until the track had been fully laid.
Unknown quantity
Appearing for the first time on the Grand Prix calendar, Korea is something of an unknown quantity. The 5.62km temporary street circuit was created by German track designer Hermann Tilke, the man behind Bahrain, Shanghai and Malaysia’s Sepang circuit amongst others. Its narrow street sections and harbourside features are reminiscent, aesthetically at least, of the Circuit de Monaco, and fans will hope the Korean International Circuit can bring the thrills and spills which were perhaps lacking earlier in the season at Monaco. Unlike Monaco, Yeongam does lend itself to overtaking with three consecutive long straights hoped to provide maximum passing opportunities.
Grip will be the main issue facing drivers as they prepare to tackle the circuit for the first time. The recently-laid asphalt should prove slippery at first and track conditions will remain unpredictable throughout the weekend as the surface changes with build-up of rubber, something Tilke believes will bring further intrigue to what he promises will be a fascinating Grand Prix.
Can McLaren stop the rot?
By the time the 55-lap race starts on Sunday morning, McLaren pair Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button will hope to have achieved competitive grid positions. Both have failed to make the podium in the last three races, leaving their championship hopes hanging in the balance. Hamilton topped the drivers’ standings in September before retirements at Monza and Singapore have since seen him drop to fourth behind Messrs Webber, Alonso and Vettel, while successive fourth-place finishes from Button have barely kept the reigning champion in touch with the top three.
Qualifying could be the key, with the evolution of the track surface expected to reward teams with a shrewd set-up. However McLaren also believe they could have the beating of rivals Red Bull over Yeongam’s long straights.
The contenders
Red Bull themselves are sitting pretty, with Mark Webber 14 points clear atop the drivers’ standings, while Sebastian Vettel’s win last time out at Suzuka has made the German the bookies’ favourite to take the chequered flag in Korea. However Fernando Alonso is still regarded as the principal threat to Mark Webber’s first World Championship title, after wins in Italy and Singapore put him back in contention for the title.
Team-mate Felipe Massa recently spoke of Ferrari’s familiarity with the title challenge coming into play towards the business end of the season, and Alonso’s experience could yet give the two-time champion the edge over Webber. Given the unknown nature of the Yeongam circuit, coupled with the greasy conditions predicted, the Spaniard is widely tipped to triumph in Korea. But with only two races remaining, anything less than victory this weekend may see him struggle to close the gap on his consistent Australian rival.
Korea-minded
Finally, while most drivers anxiously detailed their preparations ahead of Friday’s first practice session, Rubens Barrichello could always be counted upon to provide a more relaxed preview of the race.
“I’m very open minded going to Korea… You know how to drive a Formula One car; you know how to drive fast, so you just hook it up. I’ve never been to Korea before so I don’t know what to expect, but I’m looking forward to seeing the country and finding out what it’s like.”
You take it easy out there Rubens…