Yeongam F1™ Circuit Korea Grand Prix

Korea is the latest country to throw its hat into the Formula One ring, with the Asian nation gearing up to host its first Grand Prix in October 2010. Following in the tyre tracks of Singapore and China, both of whom have launched highly successful F1 projects in the region in recent years, it'll come as no surprise that excitement is building.

Having already hosted the Olympics (1988) and the World Cup (2002, co-hosted with Japan), Korea is no stranger to the pressures of staging major sporting events. And ever since announcing its Formula One deal, race organisers (Korea Auto Valley Operation, or KOVA) and local and national government agencies have been hard at work with preparations.

The track is to be found in the South Jeolla region, 400 kilometres from the Korean capital, Seoul. A fairly rural location, organisers plan to follow Abu Dhabi's lead and develop the area surrounding the circuit, with a high-tech business park, residential and leisure facilities all part of their plans.

The Yeongam track has been designed by celebrated circuit architect Hermann Tilke and boasts a stunning waterside location. Once finished, it will be 3.5 miles in length, and will be made up of both permanent and temporary sections. There will be seating for up to 130,000 spectators, while the teams will be treated to purpose-built pit and paddock buildings.

www.f1.com visit the official website for more information