YEONGAM ― The country’s second Formula One Grand Prix ended on a high note, showing significant improvements from last year.
The inaugural Grand Prix was a very wet race due to a torrential storm. The parking lots and also the 5.61 kilometer circuit were flooded, making it difficult for both drivers and fans to enjoy.
Despite small rain drops before the start of the final on Sunday, the sky was clear and the sun was warm to create a great atmosphere.
But the weather is not the only thing that has changed. Although there was still some heavy traffic on Sunday, the access road in and out of the circuit and the parking spaces have been improved, visitors said.
“It took hours to just get into the circuit last year, but this time it was much quicker,” said Choi Hang-sub, a university professor from Seoul.
Choi said the frequent shuttle bus service, which runs from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the three-day event, was also good.
Last year, there was only one single road leading to the circuit, but 12 months later the organizer had opened a temporary detour road and also a shuttle bus-only lane for the visitors.
“The access is always a massive problem in every race, but the access roads are really fantastic here,” said veteran F1 commentator Bob Constanduros.
“And I’m very pleased to see certain things really tidied up.”
But still some point out that more efforts and changes are needed to make it a more successful Grand Prix.
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Fans take in the action at the Korean Grand Prix in Yeongam on Sunday. (Yonhap News) |
Yuan Jan Ploegar, 68, from the Netherlands, claimed that the race program should also be improved.
“The race program is awful compared to other European Grand Prix,” Ploegar said.
This year, the Korean GP had just one support race, CJ Super Race, a local Stockar race, which was too short to fill the three day program.
“In Europe there are three to four supporting races during the F1 Grand Prix. But when I came here on the first day there was nothing to see, so I had to leave early after watching the morning practice,” he added.
There were complaints about the lack of food and refreshment booths around the track.
“I’m a vegetarian, but there is only one burger place where I can go to eat,” said Richard Moulds, a devoted American racing fan.
Observers say now the most important thing is to continue to promoting the motor sports that is relatively unknown here.
“More people should know the amazing things about F1 race,” said Constanduros.
“For instance, do you know you could drive a Formula One car on the ceiling upside down because the down force would hold it up? Things like that need to be told to boost people’s interest.”
By Oh Kyu-wook (
596story@heraldcorp.com)
