Motorsports Mondial

Photo: Reuters

Korean Grand Prix is go-go-go

Good news for Formula 1 fans. Charlie Whiting has given the green light to the latest E-era expansion of the Grand Prix circus. The inaugural Korean Grand Prix is no longer in deep kimchi and Hermann Tilke-designed circuit is not kaput.

The race is scheduled for October 24th and the final inspection took place only after the Japanese Grand Prix.

Thousands of miles away, in his home town of Clermont-Ferrand, “Bibendum” is scratching his head, wondering what happened to the 90-day rule of final inspection prior to an F1 race. That was embedded in his “sixth-sense” at the 2005 United States Grand Prix, when his employer was given the “Max” treatment on official policies and procedures, rules and regulations.

All this was served from a plush Monaco apartment while enjoying the delight of Darjeeling’s finest.

We move on to further Seoul searching. Better yet, hop in a Hyundai
Scoupe and drive four hours to the track in Yeongam.

You will not be disappointed.

Chung-Yung-cho, Dear Leader of Korea Auto Valley Operation, organizers of the race, was quoted by Eurosport saying, “The Korea International Circuit has been constructed to the highest standards, and will become the epicenter of motorsport in the country.”

The final three races will take place in three very different environments and settings. From Seoul to Sao Paulo, and then to the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Will Mark Webber become the first Australian since Alan Jones in 1980 to become world champion? Or will teammate Sebastian Vettel be crowned as the youngest world champion?

“Nando” knows it’s not over till the final race.

Vodaphone McLaren drivers are still on the line with an outside chance.

Will it be Jenson Button retaining or Lewis Hamilton regaining his crown?.

As the sun sets on the Arabian Desert and Yas Marina on the evening of November 14 we will find out.

Bring on the Rose water.

— Nasir Hameed