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EPA gives green light to racetrack

Formula Three (F3) fans in Taiwan are in for a treat, with two international-standard racetracks competing for the distinction of being the first to start hosting races.

The Far Eastern International Race Track in Yunlin County received the go-ahead from the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) on Wednesday and may start construction as early as June. Meanwhile, a rival racetrack set to open in Pingtung County's Dapeng Bay (大鵬灣) said in a press conference that it would open shop before the end of this year.

Environmental groups, however, said the EPA had approved the Yunlin proposal despite unresolved pollution concerns.

"For example, the air pollution [produced by the racing cars] may contaminate groundwater in the area," said Chang Tzu-chien (張子見), chairman of the Taiwan Environmental Protection Union's Yunlin chapter.

The Far East International Sports Agency, which is investing NT$2 billion (US$64.8 million) to build the Yunlin racetrack, said that its proposal had been approved because it "complied with every environmental requirement made by the administration."

"Everything has been done according to the regulations," the company's vice-general manager, Jimmy Ma (馬永昌), said.

"It takes a significant amount of financial and educational support to develop F3 in a country. The track will provide our drivers with a home base and present the local community with lucrative businesses opportunities, with more than 100,000 tourists [expected to be] attracted annually," he said.

In addition to the F3 races, a European variation of open-wheel formula racing with 300-horsepower cars that is considered a stepping stone toward the more famous Formula One series, 24 to 30 other types of international events can be hosted at the venue every year, Ma said.

"The 50-hectare arena is built to international dimensions and will be capable of accommodating 24 racing cars at a time," he said.

Four different courses will be built, he said.

"If we start construction in June as scheduled, we can open next August," he said.

The EPA approved the Dapeng Bay circuit in January after a two-year-long environmental impact assessment.

The circuit's specifications were certified by the FIA, the international ruling body of motorsport, and the venue will be qualified to host FIA G2-level events. It will also be capable of hosting motorcycle races.

The circuit's main stand will have a seating capacity of 15,000.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY SHELLEY SHAN
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