Korean Grand Prix dumped from F1 calendar after heavy losses
No surprise as unloved event finally calls it quits
The Korean Grand Prix, dogged by years of financial problems, has been dropped from the 2015 Formula One calendar, organisers confirmed Wednesday.
The sports governing body, the FIA, dropped the Yeongam race from the final version of this year’s schedule published on its website late on Tuesday, reducing the season to 20 races.
“We have repeatedly conveyed our position to F1 organisers that we are unable to return to the race this year,” a Korean Grand Prix official said.
The Korean event in the southern county of Yeongam made its debut in 2010 under a deal intended to last until 2016 with a five-year renewal option.
But it haemorrhaged money heavily from the outset and having accumulated losses of 190 billion won (HK$1.3 billion) over four years, it was dropped from the 2014 schedule.
“Due to lack of financial support from either the central government or the provincial government, we have no option but to abandon this year’s event as well,” said the official, who insisted on anonymity.
“South Korea has still a very thin fan base and local businesses are not so eager to sponsor auto races”, he added.
