After a prolonged period of speculation, Formula One officials finally confirmed last November that Hanoi will host an annual Grand Prix, with the first race set to take place next year.
According to Reuters, construction on the area where the race will take place — in the west of the capital in My Dinh District — commenced last Wednesday.
"This major event will give to Vietnam — and particularly its capital — an international exposure," FIA President Jean Todt said at a ceremony to begin laying the foundations of the circuit.
Sponsors Vingroup have stated that the 5.5-kilometer racetrack is due to be completed by March next year, with the race itself set to take place in April.
"I look forward to seeing you in a year's time on the starting grid of the first Formula 1 Vietnamese Grand Prix in Hanoi," Todt said, according to the news source.
There are currently 21 F1 races on the calendar, including six in Asia. Vietnam will be the third country in Southeast Asia to host a race, following Malaysia and Singapore, though the former is no longer on the schedule.
The construction team will likely have their hands full. Formula One released a video last year previewing the track. In the clip, the presenter was a little surprised about the current conditions in the area.
“Our Tuk-tuk can’t go down there because the roads aren’t built,” she said. “Behind me is where turns 16 to 21 will be. We can’t get in there at the moment because it’s a bit swampy.”
