The inaugural Vietnam GP has been officially cancelled for the 2020 season as full refunds will start for holders purchased directly through VGPC.
Weeks after F1 released 2020 calendar details confirming races in Turkey, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, the press brief noted the cancellation of China but not Vietnam. It seemed like there was still a chance to slot in, whether November and or December.
However, with F1 clearly promoting a 17-race calendar since then, it soon became clear that there were legal hurdles, which is why the official cancellation of Vietnam GP never happened until on Friday, when the promoters finally made it official.
The press note talks about regret with the announcement as it stated that there were numerous discussions between the FIA, F1, the Hanoi People’s Committee, the Vietnamese Motorsports Association and the Vietnam Grand Prix Corporation.
Upon the announcement, Ms. Le Ngoc Chi, CEO of the VGPC said: “We are unable to welcome the most exciting and prestigious motorsport series on the planet to Vietnam in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This was a very difficult decision for all of us to make but ultimately it was the only solution after carefully reviewing all safety criteria as well as the efficiency under current conditions. We thank you for your support and understanding during this uncertain period.”
The release also noted that everyone who bought tickets directly via VGPC will be notified on their email and full refunds will start, while the customers who bought it via VGPC’s authorised channels should connect with the agencies directly.
For more details, they asked to check the grand prix’s official website and or email chamsockhachhang@f1vietnamgp.com. It remains to be seen how they slot the 2021 Vietnam GP now as the pandemic continues to rage on all over the world.
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