The promoters of Vietnam GP has confirmed the completion of the main work at the Hanoi circuit as it gears up for its F1 debut amid uncertainties.
With the Vietnamese GP getting ever-closer as the start of the 2020 F1 season nears, the Vietnam Grand Prix Corporation announced the completion of the Hanoi circuit which will play host to the new-for-2020 race, this week.
The 5.6 kilometers long F1 circuit features 23 street-circuit-like turns. With similarities to some other circuits, the main attraction of the design remains its long 800 meter flat-out section, and its three-turn complex which resembles Turkey’s infamous Turn 8.
The promoters of the Vietnam GP notes that the laying work is complete as the last one to be done as the new 150m stretch at Turn 23. They add that all the requirements for the asphalt was locally sourced in order to benefit the country.
The promoters now are focusing on the temporary structures around the F1 circuit which includes the grandstands as well as the media & medical centres, team hospitality tents, commentary booths and safety barriers.
Ms. Le Ngoc Chi, CEO of the Vietnam Grand Prix Corporation, said: “This is a major milestone for us to celebrate as we come closer to staging Vietnam’s first ever F1 race weekend in just over a month’s time. We are beyond excited to witness the extraordinary sight of Formula 1 cars racing on this incredible circuit.
“It will be a moment of great pride for the whole team here at VGPC and a fitting tribute to the hard work that has gone in to ensuring the newest track in F1 is ready on time. With the help of everyone at Tilke and F1’s Motorsport Division, we feel confident in saying that this track will be one of the most challenging and exciting on the F1 calendar and we look forward to it quickly becoming a fan favorite.
“With grandstands and all remaining temporary structures also going up around the track, the excitement in and around Hanoi for the Formula 1 VinFast Vietnam Grand Prix 2020 is continuing to grow. We are ready and can’t wait to welcome the world to Hanoi very soon.”
While Vietnam is gearing up for the April 3-5 F1 race, the uncertainties around it, continues to grow with the spread of coronavirus. The country has rules put in place to avoid further spread, which could end up hurting the sport from visiting the place.
As it shares the border with China, the risk is always there, even though Vietnam doesn’t have a lot many active patient. Despite the lower count, the Badminton association recently postponed a tournament which was scheduled for March 24-29.
The FIA has already postponed Chinese GP from its scheduled date of April 19 as it continue to monitor the situation. So far, it doesn’t looks like that Vietnam GP will be postponed/canceled but the uncertainty cloud remains.
The story was co-written by Duncan Leahy
