The five-way fight for the Formula One drivers' championship is moving to unfamiliar territory - a barely finished circuit in South Korea.
Australia's Mark Webber goes into the third-to-last race of the season this weekend with a 14-point lead in the standings over Red Bull teammate Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso.
McLaren's Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton remain in contention, but need strong results to increase pressure on the leaders.
However, before the drivers can start thinking about Sunday's race, they need to focus on quickly learning the intricacies of the Yeongam track.
The circuit about 250 miles south of Seoul only passed an FIA inspection on Oct. 12, just 10 days before F1 cars will take to the track for practice Friday.
That inspection concentrated mostly on the track surface and pit facilities. Other aspects of the venue such as fan facilities and associated infrastructure won't be completed for the inaugural event.
Foremost on the drivers' minds will be whether the final layer of pavement that was added in late September has bonded and cured to the asphalt below. If it hasn't, there could be problems with grip, especially if it rains and the water forces oil to leech to the surface.
''From a driver's perspective the most important thing is that the tarmac lasts,'' Sauber's Nick Heidfeld said. ''If the final layer is laid a short time before, it is generally understood it can be oily which, of course, would be extremely problematic.''
The course does not appear to suit any of the leading teams in particular. The early part of the layout has the long straights and heavy braking that would tend to suit McLaren, followed by some medium speed corners of the sort that the Red Bulls relish, then a twisty section similar to Singapore, where Alonso thrived.
''It'll reward commitment,'' Hamilton said. ''As long as the track surface is nice and grippy, we're set for an enjoyable first race in Korea.
''We can have a positive race. While recent results haven't necessarily shown it, we've had a strong car. Now I'm hoping to get the chance to prove it on track.''
McLaren's relatively poor results in the past two races, in Singapore and Japan, prompted many to write off the team's championship chances, but McLaren principal Martin Whitmarsh said the team ''won't give up without a fight.''
''Both drivers have won world championships before,'' Whitmarsh said. ''They understand the difficulties of such a unique situation, and both have learned how to deliver their best under high pressure.
''They will be ready for this battle. And it's a battle that will doubtless be won by consistency.''
Webber learned the value of consistency in Japan, where he never threatened Vettel, yet by finishing ahead of Alonso, he managed to pad his championship lead, albeit by three more points.
The Red Bull driver said he must chase victories in the remaining races, even if accumulating points might be a more prudent approach.
''I can't think like that, it won't be enough,'' Webber was quoted as saying by the BBC. ''I need to keep racing hard and going for victories. I need to win again, and I am very confident I can do that.
''If my rivals have a rough weekend it makes it a bit harder for them and it gives me a bit more scope, but I'm not looking to abuse that because it can all go pear-shaped very fast.''
