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Located in Yeongam, South Korea, the Korea International Circuit (KIC) is a state-of-the-art racing track that has become a hub for motorsports enthusiasts and racing teams from across the country and beyond. The circuit, which was opened in 2010, has quickly established itself as a premier venue for motorsports in Asia, hosting a range of local and international events.
The Korea International Circuit was first proposed in the mid-2000s, as the Korean government was looking to promote sports and leisure activities in the country and boost its tourism industry. The circuit was designed by the German architect Hermann Tilke, who is renowned for his work in designing some of the world’s most iconic race tracks, including the Yas Marina Circuit and the Circuit of the Americas.
The construction of the Korea International Circuit began in 2007 and was completed in just three years, with a total investment of over $250 million USD. The circuit features a range of facilities, including a pit and paddock complex, grandstands, and a media center.
The circuit spans over 5.6 kilometers and features 18 turns, with a maximum straight-line speed of 320 km/h. The circuit is unique in that it is built on a reclaimed land, with elevation changes and sweeping curves that add to the excitement and challenge of the race.
The opening of the Korea International Circuit has had a significant impact on the Korean motorsports scene, bringing world-class racing to the country and raising the profile of local drivers and teams. The circuit has become a hub for motorsports enthusiasts in Korea and East Asia, with thousands of fans attending races and events throughout the year.
The Korea International Circuit has also contributed to the development of motorsports in Korea, providing a platform for local drivers and teams to showcase their skills and compete at an international level. The circuit has played host to a variety of motorsports events, including the Korea Speed Festival, the GT Asia Series, and the Korea Grand Prix.
The Korea Speed Festival, for example, is a major motorsports event that takes place at the Korea International Circuit every year, featuring a range of cars and drivers from across the country. The festival attracts thousands of fans and spectators, who come to witness the high-speed races and enjoy the entertainment and activities on offer.
The festival features a range of races and championships, including the Korea Touring Car Championship, the Formula 2000 Championship, and the Drift King. The festival also features a range of entertainment and activities, such as live music performances, car displays, and food stalls.
The GT Asia Series, on the other hand, is a regional GT championship that features a range of manufacturers and models, including the Audi R8 LMS, the Porsche 911 GT3 R, and the Lamborghini Huracan GT3. The championship has become a popular platform for Korean teams and manufacturers to test and develop their race cars and compete against some of the best GT drivers in the region.
One of the most significant events to take place at the Korea International Circuit is the Korea Grand Prix, which was part of the Formula One World Championship from 2010 to 2013. The Korea Grand Prix attracted some of the biggest names in motorsports, including Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, and Fernando Alonso.