By Yi Whan-woo

YEONGAM — For the first time in Korea ever, the world’s fastest Formula 1 machines will stun local fans with soaring speeds and loud powerful engines in less than 50 days.

The Korea Auto Valley Operation (KAVO) unveiled the Korea International Circuit in Yeongam, South Jeolla Province, Saturday, where the 2010 Formula 1 Korean Grand Prix will take place from Oct. 22 to 24.

The 5.615 kilometer circuit boasts of a counter-clockwise course to present drivers with a rare challenge and to bring a fresh spectacle to viewers. The only other four courses around the world designed as such are in Turkey, Brazil, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi.

The course is apt for drivers to unleash an explosion of speed in the straights and steer the machines with skill around the 18 corners in each of the 55 laps.

The highly spotlighted part of the track is the world’s longest straight section at 1.2 km, set to test speeds of up to 320 km per-hour at a dead run.

The first part is where the 16,000-seat main grandstand is located for the fans to see the kick off and finale of the race. In the first corner of the section, the drivers are to lower the speed from a maximum 300 km per hour to just over 100 km per-hour within 80 meters. The control is crucial as a driver can outrun competing racers and maintain an edge once past the second corner just before entering the long track. The section ends with the third and the last corner where the drivers are to put on the brakes with only 100 meters remaining.

The second section which is a part of the 3.045 km permanent track to be used for local races, requires drivers to go through nine corners.

The last part of the circuit demands low and medium-high speed in corners and machines should gear down to a little above 100 km per-hour before they reach the 15th corner. The machines will face a straight line ahead leading up to the start and finish line once they pass the 18th corner. The third section is notable for running alongside Yeongsan lake, providing picturesque scenery. The KAVO pursues to develop the course to be comparable to the Valencia Street Circuit in Spain also renowned for such views.

Red Bull racing driver Karun Chandhok of India, who became the first demo-run driver on the circuit, gave his impression after a trial run.

“It’s an interesting circuit,” Chandhok said. “The circuit is challenging for the drivers to test their limits. As there are a number of courses apt for outrunning, the race will be very interesting,” the driver said.

The circuit is equipped for 130,000 seats in total, with 14 grandstands around the track in which the size varies from 1,600 to 16,000.

The Grand Prix is the 17th event of the 19 this season, following the one in Suzuka, Japan from Oct. 8 to 10.