Hanoi to host Formula 1 race in 2020

The capital city of Vietnam will host a stage of the world renowned Formula 1 (F1) Grand Prix for the first time in April 2020, announced the Hanoi authorities on November 7.

The Vietnam Grand Prix will be added to the F1 calendar in April 2020. (Photo: F1)
The Vietnam Grand Prix will be added to the F1 calendar in April 2020. (Photo: F1)

The announcement was made by Chairman of Hanoi municipal People’s Committee, Nguyen Duc Chung, in the presence of F1 Chairman and Chief Executive, Chase Carey.

Accordingly, after nearly two years of negotiations with F1 organisers, Hanoi has officially won the right to host a race under its calendar, becoming the 22nd stage in the series.

It is also F1’s fourth street race, after Monaco, Singapore and Azerbaijan, with its unique 22-turn, 5,565m track. It will also be the fourth race in Asia, joining China, Japan and Singapore.

Hanoi People's Committee is the host of Vietnam Grand Prix, while the Vietnam Grand Prix Company (under the promoter Vingroup) will cover all expenses for the stage.

Technical experts from F1 visited Hanoi to survey the local conditions to organise racing and have unanimously selected the area near My Dinh National Sports Complex to set up the race.

Chairman of Hanoi municipal People’s Committee, Nguyen Duc Chung (C), announces the host of F1 race in the capital city in 2020, in the presence of F1 Chairman and Chief Executive, Chase Carey (third from left). (Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)

According to F1, its motorsports team have worked with renowned circuit design company Tilke to create a semi-permanent street track, using both existing and purpose-built roads.

In addition to the main racing event, there will be a series of activities taking place over the week, including parades and car showcases of racing teams, movie screening on F1 cars, meetings between representatives of the Government and Hanoi authorities with international corporations, and introduction of Vietnamese cuisine.

As a world-class sporting event, which is broadcast by reputable media outlets and attracts large crowds of fans, Hanoi expects to promote its image and tourism via the event, as well as enhancing trade links between the capital city with international economic groups and developing high-quality logistics, aviation and entertainment services.

The contract for the F1 race in Vietnam will last for 10 years and will be reviewed for renewal in its eight year.