The organisers of Vietnam GP revealed details of an extra turn added to the layout while the circuit is also widened ahead of its F1 debut in 2020.
Days after images of the under-construction F1 Vietnam GP circuit in Hanoi were released by the organisers, they confirmed of a layout change ahead of its debut in 2020. The circuit featured 22 turns with inspiration from Suzuka, Monaco and Nurburgring.
But the revamped layout will have 23 turns as the final corner has been tweaked after an assessment made by F1, FIA and Hermann Tilke’s company. The track is also widened by 15 meters, so as to further help in overtaking in the final moments of the lap.
As per the note from the organisers, previously, the final two corners were a quick left followed by a much tighter left but the track now winds further to the right before a tight left followed by another more open left.
This change also extends the circuit length marginally, from 5.565km to 5.607km and it brings it on par with Singapore’s Marina Bay Street Circuit. The Singapore street circuit also has 23 turns like now Vietnam – the only two F1 circuits to feature this many corners.
“In the course of building our new track, and carrying out geographical assessments, we have adjusted Turn 22 and added Turn 23 in consultation with F1 and the FIA,” said Le Ngoc Chi, CEO of the Vietnam GP Corporation.
“We have a long stretch, which at 1.6km is one of the longest stretches on the calendar, and will see cars reach up to 335km/h.” The organisers is trying to give the circuit a local tinge as the pit building is inspiration from Hanoi’s Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.
Here’s the last story with photos of under-construction F1 Vietnam GP