The Grand Prix will kick-off in South Korea later this month, after it had just passed inspections. Officials were concerned the race track was not up to par.

On Tuesday Formula One race officials gave the go ahead for the inaugural South Korean Grand Prix later this month, after concerns the circuit was not up to standard.

The track in Yeongam passed final inspections.

[Kang Hyo-seok, South Korea's F1 Support Headquarter Director]:
"We had an official final approval from KAVO this morning. This means that an A grade international circuit has been made in South Korea for the first time."

Cancelling the race would have had a major impact on the world championship outcome, with five drivers vying for the title with just three races to go.

The South Korean race is scheduled for October 24.

South Korean automakers hope the grand prix will help raise the country's image as a high-end maker, having emerged as one of the world's fastest growing car export markets.