Korea to join India in F1 exile (Update)
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| The Korean GP was always one of the least favorites |
The AFP reported South Korea "is seen as a logical move to be left off the list, as the Yeongam circuit south of Seoul has lost money since it first hosted Formula One in 2010, and local authorities are unwilling to cover losses." India "has struggled to find a widespread following." The Indian government, meanwhile, "is keen on taxing drivers during their time in the country as a proportion of their earnings rather than profit." Ecclestone is said to have agreed to pay a flat-rate sum for this year's race to meet government demands, but is seen as "unlikely to comply" in 2014 given the other candidates to host races. AFP
07/30/13 (GMM) The Korean grand prix looks set to join India in F1 exile, as Bernie Ecclestone trims the 2014 calendar to a maximum of 20 races.
It has been reported that Austria, Russia and New Jersey are to be added to the current 19-race schedule.
But the latter of those events, slated to be the second American race on the 2014 calendar amid the Manhattan skyline, now appears unlikely.
Mercedes chairman Niki Lauda said a few days ago that New Jersey "didn't happen this year because of a lack of money".
"As far as I know," the F1 legend told Austrian broadcaster ORF, "it's already gone from the calendar".
And amid reports Ecclestone will drop the Indian grand prix over a tax issue, Germany's Auto Motor und Sport claims the other race unlikely to survive beyond 2013 is Korea.
"Apparently," said correspondent Tobias Gruner, "the organizers have run out of money.
"Ecclestone is well known for having little patience if his fees are not paid."
The AFP news agency also reports that Korea is in doubt, saying the organizer "has lost money since it first hosted formula one in 2010, and local authorities are unwilling to cover losses".