The Formula One racetrack in Vietnam has been named Hanoi, for the nation’s capital, and its nine grandstands named after popular tourist destinations around the country.
The main grandstand is named Thang Long, the historical name for Hanoi. The other stands are named Hai Phong, Ha Long, Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Sai Gon, Can Tho, and Phu Quoc.
The inaugural Vietnam Grand Prix is to take place on 5 April this year, although the coronavirus outbreak has raised some doubts over whether it will go ahead as scheduled. Vietnam has reported 13 cases of the virus so far.
The Porsche Carrera Cup Asia has been added as a support race for the Formula One grand prix. Ms. Le Ngoc Chi, chief executive of the Vietnam Grand Prix Corporation, said: “We are thrilled to confirm the addition of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia to the Formula 1 VinFast Vietnam Grand Prix program. As the premier one-make racing series in the region, its inclusion on our schedule ensures that the inaugural F1 race weekend in Vietnam will deliver on its promise to showcase the greatest racing action on the planet across the whole weekend.”
Alexandre Gibot, head of Porsche Motorsport Asia-Pacific, said: “Alongside running Asia’s premier one-make racing series and competing across the continent in a host of other prestigious motorsport events, we at Porsche consider it a duty to encourage the growth of motorsport culture in Asia.
“We do this not only for financial reasons, but because we have a sincere passion for high-speed competition. Seeing grandstands full of cheering fans is just as big a thrill to us as crossing the finish line first. The Formula 1 VinFast Vietnam Grand Prix 2020 is another feather in the cap of Asian motorsport, and we are thrilled to be part of this historic event.”
The Vietnam Grand Prix recently announced the completion of its pit building, marking an important milestone in the development of the Hanoi Circuit. The design of the three-storey pit building has been influenced by the city’s historic architecture. Le said: “Like the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and the Pavilion of the Constellation of Literature which have inspired the Pit Building’s design, we hope this structure will become another iconic Hanoi landmark.”
The Hanoi pit lane is deliberately short, according to circuit designer Hermann Tilke, in order to encourage more than one stop during the race. The 5.6km circuit features 23 corners.
