YEONGAM ― Formula One is not a popular sport in South Korea. Some might remember F1’s living legend Michael Schumacher and his record, but the rest of the drivers are still not well known here.

The 42-year-old Schumacher, who last year made a surprising return from retirement, is sure to grab the public’s attention this weekend when the country hosts its second edition of the F1 Grand Prix in Yeongam, South Jeolla Province.

But this time, his fellow countryman Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull racing team will dominate the media spotlight.

The 24-year-old German clinched the 2011 season title after finishing third at the Japan Grand Prix last week, becoming F1’s youngest two-time champion.

This year, Vettel is enjoying a very successful season ― he has won nine of 15 races so far.

Only Schumacher in 2002 and Nigel Mansell in 1992 clinched the championship with more than four races remaining.

The reigning champion has already promised to keep focus on winning his first title here on Sunday.

He was leading the inaugural race on the Yeongam circuit last season before engine failure brought his afternoon to an end.

And he needs to help his team win the Constructor’s crown ― Red Bull is the defending champion and currently has a 130-point lead over McLaren.

Vettel’s personal records also keep him motivated. With four more races to go before the end of the 2011 calendar, he is still in contention to tie the all-time season record of 13 wins held by Schumacher in 2004.

Speaking of the upcoming Korean Grand Prix, the German champion noted that the Yeongam circuit is a very “demanding” course.

“The circuit is very demanding and quite tight, especially at the pit-lane entry. You actually drive almost blind along the wall and, if the car in front of you drives into the pit, you have to quickly get out of the way,” he told reporters last week.

By Oh Kyu-wook (596story@heraldcorp.com)