It's been a while since F1 turned up to somewhere really brand new. Even the recent circuit additions of Valencia and Singapore didn't feel quite so different as Korea. From all the great insight we've been getting over the last few days, from those on their way to the paddock, it's like a massive step into the unknown. From simple things like what to eat, to more complex problems like the circuit website showing the wrong destination on Google maps, this weekend is going to be a challenge. I can think of no better group of people to face it though! Now, talking of maps, we have managed to locate the actual track, although it doesn't look like much here.

Event schedule

The past two weeks have felt a little like the mid-season break. It took a while for it to sink in that we really were going to see this race happen in Korea, and news has been sparse. That being said, the teams are beginning their final push for the last few races, and their are still new parts to be brought out and tested.

Drivers have been taking to the simulators, as there is no other way of getting any advance knowledge on the brand new layout in Korea. For once, all our drivers are on a level playing field, and the rookies have a great chance to show themselves in a favourable light against the more experienced drivers. We know that Force India have chosen to give their pair the most time in the car, forcing Paul di Resta to take a back seat once again. Virgin Racing, however, are sticking by their choice of D'Ambrosio, meaning di Grassi may have some extra work to do come Saturday.

Massa has been the only talking point this week, at various stages being reported that he wouldn't become a number two driver, that he would be happy to help his team, that they're going to have a tough weekend, that it's all going to be fine. Likewise, Chandhok - who is still without a seat at the moment - has been quoted as saying Red Bull will struggle this weekend, that they will be the ones to watch, that they have the championship in the bag. It's fair to say there are problems with reporting, rather than people changing their minds so much, but even so, it shows just what an unknown this weekend is.

Support racing for this event includes the Hyundai Series.

The weather

The very early weather forecasts suggested that the entire race weekend would be dry and clear, and for the first race at a brand new track, that is probably a good thing. There were some concerns that nearby storms would get a little too close for comfort, but it looks as though we may be lucky on this occasion.

Friday looks set to be the best day, weather-wise, with bright sun and warm temperatures. Although the sun is due to stay out and about throughout the whole weekend, as Sunday draws near, the clouds are likely to start creeping in, and the humidity is set to rise.

The circuit

From our point of view, sitting back at home and viewing the goings on in Korea only via photos and tweets, the main concern is the track surface. They left it as late as possible to put that tarmac down, and whilst everyone is saying it's going to be fine, we'll take some convincing. They were still putting the white lines down for the grid boxes at this very late stage in the week.

Even if the track does hold up, it will change radically over the course of the weekend. From those very first, tentative and most likely slippery laps, the grip should improve. That is assuming the tarmac stays down, of course.

Bridgestone, in particular, have assured us they have no cause for concern. In fact, they are quite upbeat about the entire event. The simulations have placed the average speed around 205 km/h, whilst top speeds may hit 310 km/h, and given that information, Bridgestone have compared the track to Istanbul and Catalunya - and decided to bring the hard and soft compounds for the weekend.

Circuit map

Press conference schedule

Official press conferences are organised by the FIA and happen four times during the weekend. The qualifying and post race press conferences will take place after the television unilateral interviews.

Race stewards

Four stewards oversee a Formula 1 race weekend, two FIA stewards, together with one experienced former F1 driver and a steward representing the National Sporting Authority.

Following live

A thread will be created on Sidepodcast.com for every session and every thread is live enabled, meaning you can follow along and contribute to the conversation without refreshing the page.