According to a report in the German news magazine Focus, the inaugural 2010 Korean Grand Prix could be postponed for 2011.
The article claims the circuit in Yeongam, may not be completed by the time of its race debut this year which is scheduled for October 24, 2010.
Amid rumours of serious problems with the construction, the report said F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone traveled directly to South Korea after the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix to supervise the progress of the construction. It is believed Ecclestone will decide as soon as the incoming days whether or not to cancel the race, which would reduce the 2010 schedule to 18.
Korea Auto Valley Operation CEO Chung Yung-Cho defended the fate of the Korean Grand Prix and the progress of circuit construction:
"The construction progress is well ahead of its schedule and we have absolutely no issues with completion. I understand that Mr. Ecclestone is quite happy with not only the progress of the track but the direction the Korean F1 race is headed and he has raised no questions and concerns."
A possible Grand Prix cancellation due to construction delay reasons might have disastrous consequences for the Korean Gran Prix future, as the competition for a long term race contract between circuits around the world is very strong. A new Tilke-drome circuit is also about to be built in New Delhi India and it is expected to be ready for the 2011 season.
After the expansion of Formula 1 in the Gulf area in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, Bernie Ecclesotne is considering the re-establishment of the US Grand Prix near the NYC and in other global urban areas like Moscow and Rome. In that case, Ecclestone states that he would review some of the "traditional events" in the European continent:
"We’re going to lose some races for sure, there are some races we can afford to lose without too much problem. I’ve spoken to the countries to see what we can come up with."
