The first Vietnam Grand Prix could take place in 2020

Liberty Media revealed a few months ago its intention to add an Asian race to the calendar. While Vietnam seemed to be the preferred destination, it appears that negotiations to organize a Grand Prix in the country are about to be concluded. The goal would be to organize a race 12 kilometers west of Hanoi by 2020.

The project would involve incorporating certain streets by adding a permanent section including a pit lane. However, the construction of future facilities has not yet begun.

According to certain information, discussions have received a boost behind the scenes of the Japanese Grand Prix held this weekend. Indeed, Liberty Media and Vietnamese officials reportedly took the opportunity to meet.

What is certain is that the addition of this new race to the calendar would constitute the first major change since the acquisition of the commercial rights of Formula 1 by Liberty Media.

The FIA race director, Charlie Whiting, also visited the site in the capital right after the Japanese Grand Prix. The Briton is confident about the possibility of organizing a Grand Prix in the Asian capital as early as 2020: « There is no real progress in the construction of the circuit, but the site has been identified. It is at an advanced stage of design. I think, as far as I know, they are aiming for a Grand Prix in 2020, which shouldn’t be a »problem based on our experience.

He then confirms that it will indeed be a semi-permanent circuit: « It’s mainly in the streets, there is a section that is not yet built. So, it’s an open site where the stand buildings will be installed. A part of the track will be built there, but it does not exist at the moment. But it will become a road. »

If the race were confirmed, it should be received very tepidly by European fans, especially since the future of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone is still uncertain, for example.