McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh unconvinced by South Korean GP
The UK Press Association has reported that
“McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh has questioned the wisdom of including a Korean Grand Prix on next year’s Formula One calendar”.
Whitmarsh revealed that the Formula One Teams’ Association have reservations about adding a sixth race in Asia following reports there could be a shortage of facilities.
“We hear stories it’s four or five hours from anywhere, there’s no infrastructure, no hotels, no-one can get there. It’s going to make it difficult for fans and difficult for media, We’re meant to be doing it for the fans and other people. My personal opinion is that we’ve got other priorities.” he said.
It’s 4-5 hours from Seoul, and basically in a farming/port area. I doubt people that are willing to spend $400+ a ticket for an F1 race would be willing to stay in local min baks (??), that are essentially small one-room (w/o beds) motels. Yes, most you sleep on the floor. And food? That will be comical to watch. There are very few western food-type restaurants in most areas of Korea I live here, and have for a while, so I’m used to it. I don’t especially like it at times, and I will not go to the race and fight the logistical nightmare that will probably result if a lot of people show up.
The official website doesn’t even have its English or Japanese pages up yet!
Google the area and check it out for yourself:
http://maps.google.co.kr/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=%EC%98%81%EC%95%94+%EC%82%BC%ED%98%B8%EC%9D%8D+%EC%82%BC%ED%8F%AC&sll=36.465472,128.056641&sspn=4.655394,7.042236&ie=UTF8&t=h&hq=&hnear=Sampo-ri,+Samho-eup,+Yeongam-gun,+Jeollanam-do+526-892&ll=34.738227,126.409807&spn=0.037805,0.079393&z=14
We have enough comfortable accommodation because we planned ahead. A new city is being developed next to the track. Everyone thought the race would be canceled but it’s clear the skeptics have been proven wrong. Yesterday Chandhok did 15 laps with the “Circuit Run”
See his positive comments at:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100904/india_nm/india512864
and
http://uk.autoblog.com/2010/09/04/chandhok-completes-first-laps-on-koreas-f1-track/
We have been there from the start and knew that the Korean people are to proud not to have the circuit ready in time. Sure there were many delays, but it’s also the craziest weather I have seen in the 10 years I have been here.
We have a few spots available:
Best Value Packages with Waegook Cook
written by Waegook Cook, September 05, 2010
There are only 49 days left as from today August 26, 2010 before the inaugural Korean F1 Race. Tickets are selling out fast and it’s virtually impossible to get decent accommodation at a reasonable price. Our first buses are are almost fully booked and we are getting ready for one of the most spectacular events ever to be held in Korea. We only booked 70 rooms, so people still interested in joining us for this awesome event should book ASAP.
Bookings can be made at our official website at:
http://www.f1.waegookcook.com
For more photos, forums etc visit our new sister site at:
http://koreangp.webs.com/
Our F1 party at Waegook Cook for all the guests attending are scheduled for September 18 where people will be able to collect their tickets, t-shirts and meet the other people who will be sharing in the 2010 Korean F1 experience.
Kind regards
Derrick Smith
(Waegook Cook)