Home » Sports » Motor Racing
Alonso impressed by Korea
Source: Agencies |
October 21, 2010, Thursday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
FERNANDO Alonso has given South Korea's new Formula One circuit a positive review, saying he expects a "spectacular" race.
Alonso wrote on his Ferrari blog yesterday he expects "no big surprises" at the first South Korean Grand Prix, which offers a "very interesting circuit that should be fun to drive, especially the last sector."
Alonso says the circuit reminds him of those in Bahrain, Turkey and Abu Dhabi, which were also designed by Hermann Tilke, with several overtaking spots on offer.
Alonso is tied for second with Sebastian Vettel in F1's championship standings, 14 points adrift of leader Mark Webber with three races, and 75 points, left. McLaren pair Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton remain in title contention but badly need strong results this weekend to increase pressure on the leaders.
But before they can start thinking about Sunday's race, all the drivers will be preoccupied with quickly learning the intricacies of the Yeongam circuit. The circuit, about 400 kilometers south of Seoul, only passed an FIA inspection 10 days before the F1 cars will take to the track for practice on Friday.
That inspection concentrated mostly on the track surface, and pit facilities. However, other aspects such as fan facilities and associated infrastructure will be short of completion for the inaugural event.
Of most potential concern is the lateness of the final layering of track, which only took place in late September. It remains to be seen if the asphalt has baked together firmly enough to avoid problems or whether rain could cause the oil leech to the surface.
"From a driver's perspective the most important thing is that the tarmac lasts," Sauber's Nick Heidfeld said. "If the final layer is laid a short time before, it is generally understood it can be oily which, of course, would be extremely problematic."
The course layout does not appear on paper to suit any of the leading teams in particular. The early part of the lap has the long straights and heavy braking that would tend to suit McLaren, followed by some medium speed corners of the sort that the Red Bulls relish, then a twisty section similar to Singapore, where Alonso thrived.
"It'll reward commitment," Hamilton said. "As long as the track surface is nice and grippy, we're set for an enjoyable first race in Korea.
"We can have a positive race. While recent results haven't necessarily shown it, we've had a strong car. Now I'm hoping to get the chance to prove it on track."
McLaren's relatively poor results in the past two races in Singapore and Japan prompted many to write off the team's championship chances, but team principal Martin Whitmarsh said the team "won't give up without a fight."
"Both drivers have won world championships before," Whitmarsh said. "They understand the difficulties of such a unique situation, and both have learned how to deliver their best under high pressure."
Alonso wrote on his Ferrari blog yesterday he expects "no big surprises" at the first South Korean Grand Prix, which offers a "very interesting circuit that should be fun to drive, especially the last sector."
Alonso says the circuit reminds him of those in Bahrain, Turkey and Abu Dhabi, which were also designed by Hermann Tilke, with several overtaking spots on offer.
Alonso is tied for second with Sebastian Vettel in F1's championship standings, 14 points adrift of leader Mark Webber with three races, and 75 points, left. McLaren pair Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton remain in title contention but badly need strong results this weekend to increase pressure on the leaders.
But before they can start thinking about Sunday's race, all the drivers will be preoccupied with quickly learning the intricacies of the Yeongam circuit. The circuit, about 400 kilometers south of Seoul, only passed an FIA inspection 10 days before the F1 cars will take to the track for practice on Friday.
That inspection concentrated mostly on the track surface, and pit facilities. However, other aspects such as fan facilities and associated infrastructure will be short of completion for the inaugural event.
Of most potential concern is the lateness of the final layering of track, which only took place in late September. It remains to be seen if the asphalt has baked together firmly enough to avoid problems or whether rain could cause the oil leech to the surface.
"From a driver's perspective the most important thing is that the tarmac lasts," Sauber's Nick Heidfeld said. "If the final layer is laid a short time before, it is generally understood it can be oily which, of course, would be extremely problematic."
The course layout does not appear on paper to suit any of the leading teams in particular. The early part of the lap has the long straights and heavy braking that would tend to suit McLaren, followed by some medium speed corners of the sort that the Red Bulls relish, then a twisty section similar to Singapore, where Alonso thrived.
"It'll reward commitment," Hamilton said. "As long as the track surface is nice and grippy, we're set for an enjoyable first race in Korea.
"We can have a positive race. While recent results haven't necessarily shown it, we've had a strong car. Now I'm hoping to get the chance to prove it on track."
McLaren's relatively poor results in the past two races in Singapore and Japan prompted many to write off the team's championship chances, but team principal Martin Whitmarsh said the team "won't give up without a fight."
"Both drivers have won world championships before," Whitmarsh said. "They understand the difficulties of such a unique situation, and both have learned how to deliver their best under high pressure."
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
