Korea GP in doubt as rogue North threatens nuclear war
The threat posed by North Korea could have a negative impact on the F1 calendar
Apr.10 (GMM) A cloud of uncertainty has moved above October's scheduled running of the Korean Grand Prix.
The tension between South Korea, home of F1's fourteenth round of the 2013 championship, and the rogue North has been escalating at an alarming rate in the past hours.
Most alarming is the rhetoric.
And a bulletin on state-run North Korean television reportedly warned of an "all-out war, a merciless, sacred, retaliatory war".
"(North Korea) does not want to see foreigners in South Korea fall victim to the war," the bulletin reportedly continued, warning that "all foreigners, including tourists (should) take measures for shelter and evacuation".
Western foreign affair analysts, however, insist the threat of war is actually low, while the US embassy said that "despite current political tension", there is "no specific information to suggest there are imminent threats" to peace.
Moreover, there have been no reports that suggest the huge North Korean army has been briefed for a major war.
"The (US) embassy has not changed its security posture and we have not recommended that US citizens who reside in, or plan to visit, the republic of Korea take special security precautions at this time," it added.
The latest reports, however, say spy satellites have identified two North Korean nuclear-capable missiles that are ready for launch, and that the US is deploying a missile defence system to Guam.
Japan is also on the alert, with missile interceptors moved to key locations around Tokyo.
The border to China has been closed and tourists are being turned back, with a border official confirming the "North Korean government is now asking foreign people to leave".
United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon warned that if the "very dangerous" situation is not handled correctly, it could become "uncontrollable".
Share Or Save This Story
Jules Bianchi's father speaks of family's continued hopes
Sauber under no illusions about constructors' position
Pirelli chief calls for radical F1 overhaul
Oliver Solberg: “I’ve 100% got a shot” at WRC title
F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Saturday schedule, weather forecast and how to watch
Turner Motorsport chases unprecedented North American sports car title trifecta
WRC Sardinia: Thierry Neuville snatches lead from Adrien Fourmaux as Hyundai remains on top
What we learned from Friday practice at the 2026 Bahrain GP in Malaysia
The hidden F1 performance differentiator nobody is talking about in 2026
As Mercedes looks to deal F1 2026 knockout blow, will its driver fight reignite?
Top 10 F1 results changed by backmarkers – the passes
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments