Korean Grand Prix Preview

The Korean Grand Prix hasn't been the most thrilling of races in the past, but after the rather dull Singapore Grand Prix two weeks ago, thing's can only improve.

There is some doubt about the future of this race and this could quite possibly be the last Korean Grand Prix in Formula 1 for the foreseeable future, so let's enjoy it.

Korea International Circuit
The Facts:
Lap: 5.615 km
Race Laps: 55
Lap Record: 1:39.605
S Vettel (2011)
2012 Winner: Sebastian Vettel
Race Date: 06.10.2013
Safety Car – Possible
Weather – Possible showers
Tyre Allocation – Super Soft & Medium
DRS Zones: Pit-straight and between turns 2 – 3

It's quite a contrast from the tight and twisty streets of Singapore, there are long straights and plenty of high speed corners here in Korea, very good for overtaking.

The championship is being dominated once again by Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull. Many believe that the title is already won, mathematically it is still possible for the German to be caught. Realistically however I think the championship race is over as far as Vettel is concerned. There is still plenty to play for however throughout the championship tables, the constructors championship is particularly interesting with Force India battling with McLaren, Ferrari battling with Mercedes.

Many of the drivers will be hoping for a better race this weekend than the last. Kimi Raikkonen had an excellent race in Singapore despite a poor qualifying performance, but the Lotus was a very strong car. “The main target is to have a better weekend overall compared to what we saw in Singapore.

Obviously, we didn't have the best qualifying and it makes things easier if you start in the top ten. My back's better than it was on Saturday in Singapore which is when it didn't feel too good. It's not the first time I've had a problem, as there have been some issues with my back for a long time. For sure, we will have to see how it is when I get out on track on Friday in Korea.”

The challenges of Korea could prove vital, Paul DiResta explains. “It's an unusual track, but definitely a place that I enjoy driving. The three sectors are all very different with long straights linked by hairpins, some high-speed corners and a slower technical part of the lap. The tyre choices are the same as in Singapore so it will be interesting to see how they perform. We've always gone well on the supersofts, but struggled more on the medium compound so hopefully we can switch it on this weekend.” The surroundings may be rather bland and empty, but the circuit is an interesting layout and enjoyable to drive.

For television viewers in the UK it's a weekend of early starts. The race is being shown exclusively live on Sky Sports F1.

Thursday 3rd October
7am – Drivers’ Press Conference – Live!
Friday 4th October
1:45am – Korean GP Practice One – Live!
5:45am – Korean GP Practice Two – Live!
8:00am – Team Principals’ Press Conference – Live!
Saturday 5th October
2:45am – Korean GP Practice Three – Live!
5am – Korean GP Qualifying – Live!
Sunday 6th October
5:30am – The 2013 Korean GP – Live!

The Lap
High speed straights, hairpins and fast sweeping corners, this circuit has it all. It's a tough circuit to get right, the first sector is effectively a couple of long straights, the second sector needs good balance in the high speed corners with strong directional change, and the third sector needs downforce and good acceleration out of the tighter corners.

The Korean Grand Prix poses many challenges to drivers and cars, it's a busy lap and a tough one. Williams driver Pastor Maldonado explains, “Korea is a medium- to high-speed circuit and has a good combination of corners with the last sector being a good technical challenge with corners that flow well. As the track is still quite new it can be quite green at the beginning of the week with low grip, but it then tends to rubber in and evolve a lot as the weekend progresses so we will be trying to make sure that the car can adapt to the changing grip levels.”

Tom Wilkinson's Pre Race Pointers:
Lotus had a strong car in Singapore and Kimi Raikkonen had a superb race around the tight streets, watch out for the Lotus this weekend as they aim to keep up their current pace.

Ferrari will be looking to gain on the Red Bull's race pace in Korea, Fernando Alonso has won around this circuit before and will be on the hunt for championships points.

Mercedes had mixed fortunes in Singapore and will be hoping to improve here, Lewis Hamilton will be out on charge in the silver arrows to remain in the title battle.

Force India didn't have the best of weekends last time out, they are battling with McLaren in the constructors championship and need to perform this weekend.

You can enjoy full coverage of the Korean Grand Prix throughout the weekend online here at Driving For Pleasure. I'll be reporting on all the action on Friday, Saturday and of course the race on Sunday with my roundup features.

Follow Formula 1 throughout 2013 with our “Live F1” feature, it's the place to be for all the latest news and information. Follow me on Twitter @TomWilkinsonF1 for Live updates and the very latest news throughout the weekend.

Thanks again to Kevin Bennett for allowing us to use his excellent photos