2010 Korean Grand Prix Thread

[mlittle]

After several years of fruitless attempts by various motorsports series(remember ChampCar's three years trying to start a Korean GP at Ansan?), Formula 1 finally succeeded in creating a GP event............




TrackMap, Korean International Circuit


Korean International Circuit---Official Site
Formula 1---Korean Grand Prix section


So............any thoughts on what we might see as the stars of the Grand Prix circuit make their inaugural visit to the Korean Peninsula?

[Thaddeus]

I'm intrigued as to whether McLaren might stage something of a comeback. Looking at the diagram at the official F1 site, sector 1's pretty big and a collection of straight lines. The two overtaking points highlighted by Webber on the virtual lap on the BBC website are both in that sector, slow corners following long straights. That bodes well for McLaren.

However, the rest of the circuit is much twistier.

It's make or break for McLaren. I've read Button speaking confidently about Korea as a good place for the team, and Horner seems to agree [and thinks similarly of Yas Marina]. McLaren need seriously big points, or they'll almost certainly be out.

Edited extra bit: brilliantly, after writing this Chandhok [who has actually tested the circuit out] reckons it'll be good for Red Bull (although he did say the gap between them and McLaren would shrink).

[mlittle]

Hamilton Paces First Practice Session in Korea

Even though Hamilton's title hopes might be slim with just three rounds remaining, the Brit topped the opening practice at the Korean GP circuit w/a time of 1:40.887. Rounding out the top-5 were Renault's Robert Kubica, followed by Nico Rosberg[Mercedes GP], Sebastien Vettel[Red Bull] and Hamilton's McLaren teammate Jenson Button. Championship contender Fernando Alonso was only 15th-fastest in the session.


screen shot of Bruno Senna's off-course excursion during FP1(image courtesy of Speed Channel)

[mlittle]

Korean GP News Items


Red Bull Admits Building Team Around Vettel
Webber Rubbishes Title Predictors
Formula One Readies for Korean Adventure
F1 Contenders: Title Hopes Wide Open
Alonso Hails 2010 Season As Best Ever
Vodafone Extends McLaren Sponsorship

[mlittle]

After placing seventh in the first practice session on Friday, Red Bull's Mark Webber put his stamp on the second session w/a time of 1:37.942, setting the fastest time of the session. Rounding out the top-5 were Fernando Alonso[Ferrari], Lewis Hamilton[McLaren], Robert Kubica[Renault] and Jenson Button[McLaren].


Korean GP Friday Practice 2 Times

[mlittle]

Korean GP News Items, Pt.2



FIA Korean GP Friday Press Conference
FIA to Modify Turn 16 at Korea
Drivers Question Korea Safety
Hamilton: "The Battle's Not Over"

And on the lighter side of F1....................
F1 Teams Forced To Stay in Brothels
....because of a lack of hotel space around the Yeongam circuit, some teams had to find accomdations wherever they could, including a few brothels...........quoting from the story,

"One of the Sauber mechanics was asked if he also wanted a girl for the week," one F1 insider told The Sun.

[JayVee]

That was MEGA A superb drive from Alonso The Cute not only won him the race but now leads the Championship. Of course he was fortunate that Vettel blew an engine but that's racing.

He demonstrated that he his the best out there especially a few laps from the end where he was lapping more than 5 seconds quicker than anyone else. I was screaming at the TV telling him slow down

Unfortunate to see Webber spin as had he finished he would have increased the gap to Vettel

Asking for the race to be stopped early due to low visibility .... good try Vettel but what does that make of you when the rest completed the full distance

2 more races to go! If Alonso wins in Brazil, it will make it much easier for him

Can't wait

[Thaddeus]

Voted for Schumacher. If I'd had the option, it'd've been a toss up between the unlucky but talented pair of Vettel and Rosberg.

Really slow, tedious start, but once the race got going it was pretty fantastic. Damned shame Vettel didn't win.

[mlittle]

For an inaugural grand prix, this was a damned interesting one...............(apologies for the language....... .....). I voted for Alonso; he stayed at the front for most of the race and did what he needed to do to stay up front the whole race.

Shame the start was so screwy, but the race turned out to be pretty interesting...........it was nice watching Sebby V's engine do a combo BBQ-grenade act down the long straight towards Turn 3, though.............

[jacfan]

I missed the race due to a family birthday dinner. I managed to see the start of the race before we had to go but that was just watching them behind the safety car. Must have been an interesting race.
Hoping Mark can regain the lead in the driver's championship!!!!