F1 VinFast Vietnam Grand Prix 2020: Hanoi Circuit is On Track (Update)
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| Hanoi pit building |
UPDATE (GMM) Vietnam GP organizers say they will be ready for the inaugural F1 race in Hanoi.
Although Hermann Tilke's organisation is currently still working on the circuit, Vietnam GP CEO Le Ngoc Chi tells France's Auto Hebdo: "We are 80 per cent ready."
She said work is currently taking place on the grandstands, the interior of the pit buildings, and the track surface.
The race is scheduled to be round 3 on the 2020 calendar, in early April.
"We expect everything to be completed by the end of the year," she added.
"I feel nervous when I realize there are only 120 days left, and I watch a countdown in my office like an advent calendar.
"But the FIA has confirmed the date on the calendar and our team is working tirelessly."
F1 circuit architect Tilke admits that time is tight before April, but he insists: "It is not the first time we've done this.
"In Bahrain, we only had 14 months for a full circuit."
However, he denies that the fact Hanoi is a street track makes it easier. "You would think so, but it's not true," Tilke told Auto Motor und Sport.
"The public roads must all be completely re-asphalted because they were not designed for Formula 1."
Tilke also tips the F1 world to enjoy Vietnam, which is the first all-new race added to the calendar by Liberty Media.
"It's a cool city," said the German. "One part is very exotic, another is very modern. Hanoi is definitely worth a visit."
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| Paving underway |
12/06/19 The Vietnam Grand Prix Corporation (VGPC), Promoter of the Formula1 VinFast Vietnam Grand Prix 2020, today released some new images showcasing the progress being made on Formula 1’s newest track, the Hanoi Circuit.
Taking place from 3rd to 5th April 2020, the inaugural Formula 1 race in Vietnam will see the pinnacle of motorsport debut in the South East Asian country for the third round of next year’s 22-race FIA Formula 1 World Championship.
The Hanoi Circuit – which runs to 5607m in length and features 23 corners, some of them inspired by iconic F1 tracks – is a unique hybrid design, fusing a street circuit’s characteristics with a permanent track layout. The first of its kind to be developed in partnership by Tilke Engineers and F1’s own Motorsports Division, it is set to become one of the most challenging and sensational circuits in the sport. With high speed corner sequences not seen at any other pure street tracks and as many as three overtaking points where cars will have the potential to duke it out side-by-side, this is a track designed to deliver spectacular racing.
Overlooking the action will be the awe-inspiring sight of the 300m long Pit Building – purpose built for the arrival of F1 in Vietnam. Its design has been inspired by Hanoi's famous Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, representing this proud nation's long history and strong cultural heritage. This stunning permanent structure is expected to be completed by December 31st.
The images released today show the asphalt leveling process in progress along the 1.5km long back straight beginning at the exit of Turn 9 and running down to Turn 11. This section of the track will be the point where the world’s greatest drivers will be able to go flat out as they battle for victory in Hanoi next April, with expected speeds estimated to reach 335km/h. The leveling process is being done on the whole 5607m track and expected to near majority completion by the new year.
The Hanoi Circuit is set to be one of the most breathtaking circuits in F1. A feat of design, innovation & construction, the track will pose a stern examination of the drivers' strength and skills, whilst providing fans with a weekend of non-stop, adrenaline-fueled racing action.