Aug.3 (GMM) Rumours that Korea will have to call off its formula one debut in October are refusing to go away.

The FIA's Charlie Whiting visited the site in the South Cholla province recently, amid organiser KAVO's insistence the facility is nearing completion.

But at the same time, an unnamed official of the Korea Auto Valley Operation admitted the track is "delayed", after an earlier completion schedule called for a July handover to F1 authorities.

And a report in Spain's sports daily AS says the new completion date of late August may also now be delayed.

The newspaper said the actual circuit and security features will be ready in time, but that KAVO is "far behind with the construction of the grandstands, pits, control buildings and the press room".

AS said the Motorland Aragon venue in Spain could replace Korea's October 22-24 race date, so that the full 19 races take place this season.

Said Whiting after his recent visit: "There is still work to be done, but the circuit should be ready in good time for the first grand prix.

"Weekly progress reports will be submitted to the FIA and a further inspection will be carried out in six to seven weeks."

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