London : India's Karun Chandhok declared South Korea's new, and as yet unfinished, grand prix circuit to be in good shape after becoming the first person to drive a Formula One car around yesterday.
"Undoubtedly they still have a lot more work to do but now it looks like we're just in the touch-up stages," he said from the circuit after completing 15 laps in a V10-engined Red Bull demonstration car and a further 10 in a road car.
"The asphalt and kerbs need a bit more work but it all looks under control," added the driver, who competed in the first nine races of the season before making way for Japan's Sakon Yamamoto at Hispania (HRT).
Formula One's newest circuit is due to make its debut on October 24 as the 17th round of the world championship.
There has been considerable speculation in Formula One circles about progress at the circuit, and whether it will be ready in time for the race. Local promoters said this week it was 90 per cent complete.
Formula One race director Charlie Whiting is due to inspect the Yeongam facility, on the coast some four-and-a-half-hours' drive from Seoul, on his way to the Singapore Grand Prix at the end of this month.
