Race Director Charlie Whiting visited Hanoi last week, and believes setting up a race in the capital by 2020 is feasible.
According to Reuters, Whiting spoke to reporters following the Japanese Grand Prix last Sunday and claimed that a space in Hanoi had been identified. The suggested race course is 12 kilometers to the west of the city center, with many suggesting it will take place in and around My Dinh Sports Complex.
Despite the proximity of the date, however, building work is yet to begin on the project.
“It’s in the advanced stages of design,” he said. “As far as I’m aware, they’re aiming for a 2020 grand prix, which shouldn’t be a problem based on previous experience.”
He added that the route would mainly take place on existing streets, but that some sections would require additional infrastructure to be created.
“It’s an open site where the pit building’s going to be built,” he said. “Part of the track will be built there which doesn’t exist at the moment. But it will become a road, I understand, after that.”
The Vietnamese government gave their approval for the project at the end of August. However, it remains unclear whether a Hanoi Grand Prix really is on the horizon, as negotiations with Formula 1 are ongoing and no official signing has been confirmed, despite rampant speculation.
There are currently 21 F1 races on the calendar, including six in Asia. The Japanese Grand Prix just took place this weekend, with the next race set to take place in Austin, Texas on October 21.
[Photo via Action Sports Connection/Thananuwat Srirasant]
