MCLAREN team principal Martin Whitmarsh yesterday led the chorus of approval for the £180m Korea International Circuit.

Despite delays in construction, which put the event in jeopardy, the organisers will be delighted and relieved upon hearing the positive feedback in the wake of the opening two practice sessions ahead of tomorrow’s inaugural Korean Grand Prix.

Red Bull’s Mark Webber, the championship leader, who finished the day at the top of the timesheet, said he was ‘‘clutching at straws to criticise anything’’.

Although there have been a few teething problems this week upon the teams’ arrival, yesterday ran like clockwork for all involved.

‘‘The facilities are obviously very impressive, and everybody is very happy to be here,’’ said Whitmarsh.

‘‘I think a lot of fear and concern were spread in the months before we arrived, so what we have seen is genuinely a pleasant surprise.

‘‘Inevitably you go out there and find some things that aren’t quite finished, but everyone is working hard.

‘‘We have to thank them for putting in an amazing amount of effort into having these facilities here.

‘‘Korea is a new adventure for Formula One, not just the circuit, but certainly an adventure for some of the boys in their hotels.

‘‘But by comparison to how it was described, it’s clearly an exciting country. A lot of investment has gone in here and I think we’ll have a good grand prix.’’