Whitmarsh: I'm impressed by Korea

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh led a chorus of approval for the £180million Korea International Circuit.

Despite delays in construction which put the event in jeopardy, the organisers will be delighted and relieved upon hearing the positive feedback in the wake of the opening two practice sessions ahead of Sunday's inaugural Korean Grand Prix.

Red Bull's Mark Webber, the championship leader, who finished the day at the top of the timesheet, said he was "clutching at straws to criticise anything".

Although there have been a few teething problems this week upon the teams' arrival, today ran like clockwork for all involved.

"The facilities are obviously very impressive, and everybody is very happy to be here," said Whitmarsh.

"I think a lot of fear and concern were spread in the months before we arrived, so what we have seen is genuinely a pleasant surprise.

"Inevitably you go out there and find some things that aren't quite finished, but everyone is working hard.

"We have to thank them for putting in an amazing amount of effort into having these facilities here.

"Korea is a new adventure for Formula One, not just the circuit, but certainly an adventure for some of the boys in their hotels (referring to the dubious accommodation).

"But by comparison to how it was described, it's clearly an exciting country. A lot of investment has gone in here and I think we'll have a good grand prix."

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner was another left impressed as he said: "Firstly congratulations to everybody involved in building this track. It's a huge commitment from the country.

"It's an impressive circuit, a challenging layout - one that will be popular with the drivers. It has a variance of every type of corner here.

"It's great for Formula One, as the footprint of F1 continues to grow globally, to be in Korea. We've had a tremendous welcome from the organisers.

"I have to say, on the rundown here from Seoul, what a picturesque country it is as well. The first impressions have been positive."

From the drivers' perspective, with the exception of the slippery, dusty track which was to be expected as it had not been used until today, the only concerns expressed were with regard to the pit entry.

Reigning champion Jenson Button suggested it was "a little bit scary" given any driver following another who will suddenly veer into the pits will have to rapidly ease off, wrecking any lap.

Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel echoed Button's thoughts as he said: "I think the pit entry is quite on the edge here.

"It's blind and someone going into the pits will be going slower than someone who's staying out.

"If you're trying to pass and they decide to pit, it could be quite difficult."

Seven-times champion Michael Schumacher, however, expressed the widely-held view amongst the drivers that overall the circuit is a good one.

"The track has been very good and I ejoyed driving it," said the Mercedes star.

"Of course a new track with totally fresh asphalt needs to rubber in, but it got better and improved massively over the day.

"I am very pleasantly surprised with the circuit. It is very demanding, challenging and tricky, which provides a challenge that I like a lot."




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