Korea International Circuit Nears completion

Main Grandstand which can accommodate up to 16,000 spectator

Media Centre (left) with F1 Team Buildings

F1 Team Buildings at Korea International Circuit

Track surfacing underway at the Korea International Circuit

Korean ‘torches’ atop the main grandstand

Mr. Yung Cho Chung, CEO & President, Korea Auto Valley Operation

With the Korea International Circuit (KIC) nearing completion, Korea Auto Valley Operation (KAVO) has issued new images of the facility plus travel information ahead of the inaugural FORMULA 1 KOREAN GRAND PRIX from October 22 – 24, 2010.

Mr. Yung Cho Chung, CEO and President of KAVO, said: “We are delighted with the progress of the project, which is both on schedule and being finished to an extremely high standard. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Korea International Circuit and our fascinating country in October."

The KIC is located on South Korea’s southwestern coast, in the province of Jeollanam-do. Seoul is South Korea’s capital city, while Kwangju is the closest major city to KIC and the country’s fourth-largest.

The circuit can be reached by air, car, bus and shuttle bus. For those arriving from outside of South Korea, the majority of flights will be routed through Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN), with domestic flights from the nearby Kimpo International Airport (GMP) connecting to Kwangju Airport (KWJ).

From Seoul Incheon (ICN):

By Air:

Airport bus (approx US$5) or Taxi to Kimpo International (GMP) – approx 45 minutes
Flight from Kimpo International (GMP) to Kwangju Airport (KWJ) on Asiana Airlines or Korean Air – approximately 1 hour
From Kwangju Airport (KWJ), the KIC can be reached by car (1 hour) or by KIC shuttle bus service, which will run from October 21-24 at regular intervals
The nearby town of Mokpo is approximately 10 minutes’ drive from the KIC

By Car or Bus

Upon arrival at Seoul Incheon (ICN), self-drive car hire with English GPS to KIC – approx 4 Â½ hours
Upon arrival at Seoul Incheon (ICN), bus service to KIC – approx 5 hours

The KIC is on schedule for anticipated completion in August, 2010. All major structures are completed, with track surfacing currently underway.

The official website can be found at www.koreangp.kr

Facts
â- The First International Automobile Speedway in Korea
The Korea International Circuit is the country’s first international racing circuit. Hosting a major event such as a round of the FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP requires both a structure and state-of-art facilities which satisfy the high standards of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile). The Korea International Circuit will provide a dramatic turning point for the development of domestic motorsport.

â- A Breathtaking View of Yeongam Lake
The Korea International Circuit is located in Sampo District, the centre of tourism, leisure and development for the South Western coast. It is a superb tourist destination due to its proximity to the picturesque Yeongam Lake, and is also close to the Yellow Sea from which it is separated by a 4.3km length of tide embankment. As the city develops around the circuit, the area it is expected develop into world-famous destination to compete with Monte Carlo, home of the Monaco Grand Prix, or the street circuit of Valencia in Spain.

â- Architectural Design which Embodies the Soul of Korea
The design of the KIC incorporates elements of Korean traditional design into the state-of-the-art motor sports facility. The Grandstand, a major architectural structure, has a roof which resembles the eaves of ‘hanoks’ (traditional Korean styled houses). The design also includes 8 torch symbols which represent the means of communication in ancient Korea, and symbolizes Korea’s pride as an IT powerhouse of today.

â- Largest Spectator Capacity in Korea
The Korea International Circuit can accommodate 130,000 spectators at one time, making it the largest domestic sports facility in the country. There are also a variety of viewing areas, equipped with 16,000 seats which can be used for concerts and other entertainment events.

â- Multi-purpose Hybrid Circuit with Dual Structure
The Korea International Circuit incorporates two circuits: An international race track with a total length of 5,615km, and a permanent track of 3,045km.

â- World’s Longest Straight
After the first corner, the track features a 1.2km straight, the longest straight track amongst all the F1 Circuits (based in 2010). According an F1 simulation, the maximum speed is expected to be 320km/h.

â- Unique Counter clockwise Speedway
While most circuits are designed to turn clockwise, the KIC runs counter clockwise. Among the 19 Circuits which have hosted FORMULA ONE, Turkey, Brazil, Singapore, Valencia, and Abu Dhabi are the only ones that had counter clockwise.

â- World’s First Experiment in Creating a City around a Circuit
A large commercial district will be built around the southern area of the circuit, facing
Yeongam Lake. Unusually, the circuit has been constructed first, and the city will develop around it.

Korea International Circuit Facilities

Main Grand Stand
â-� The largest structure at KIC, it can accommodate a maximum of 16,000 spectators
â-� Designed with a roof inspired by eaves of ‘hanok’ (traditional Korean house) and 8 pillars
in the shape of signal fire torches
â-� 8 upper pillars symbolize the 8-cylinder engines of the race cars

Race Control Building
â-� Integrated control center
â-� 12.75m in height and 2521.87mÂ² in area
â-� Grandstand-facing podium

Korea International Circuit F1 Teams Buildings
â-� Spacious and elegant two-storey buildings, with a breathtaking view overlooking Yeongam Lake

Permanent Pit & Paddock
â-� Full facilities for support, regional and domestic racing series
â-� Can accommodate more than 28 cars

Media Center
â-� Fully-equipped integrated media support facilities

F1 Pit & Paddock
â-� Race garages to accommodate a total of 34 cars
â-� Paddock facilities are located behind the pit garages