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| Top speed: Former British F1 racing driver David Coulthard cracks open a bottle of champagne on stage to celebrate the deal to bring Formula One to Hanoi. He is photographed with models presenting the collection of áo dài (Vietnamese traditional long dress) by designer Đỗ Trịnh Hoài Nam. The collection embraces national flags and signature heritage of the 22 countries which host F1 races. — VNS Photos Hồng Vân |
Viet Nam News
HÀ NỘI — It’s official… Formula One is heading to Hà Nội.
At a press conference in the capital on Wednesday, a deal was done to bring the prestigious sporting event to Hà Nội in April 2020.
Speaking at the conference, Tô Văn Động, Director of Hà Nội Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said the race would be officially launched from April of 2020 for ten years.
Hà Nội is the 22nd city in the world to host Formula One and the third race of the calendar that will be held on the streets rather than a track.
It will be held on the streets close to the Mỹ Đình National Stadium.
“The race in Hà Nội is a part of world F1, held not only to challenge racers but a fascinating performance to fans,” Động said.
Chase Carey, CEO of F1 in Việt Nam, said each time the event is held, besides the main race, other programmes will be held for the public, like parading, car models showcasing, tire changing technique performing.
“This is a complex process. We are delightful and highly appreciate the co-operation of Hà Nội, hoping it will be a long-term collaboration to bring Hà Nội to the world and the world to Hà Nội,” said Carey.
Nguyễn Đức Chung, Chairman of People’s Committee, said right from this moment, via this conference, the world learns Việt Nam is hosting F1.
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| Fast and furious: Hà Nội is the 22nd city in the world to host Formula One and the third race on the calendar to be held on the streets rather than a track. |
According to the committee, Hà Nội will only host and provide support to Grand Prix Việt Nam, an entity responsible holder for the race organisation. The race in Việt Nam is one of a series of races, therefore, Hà Nội does not have to mobilise many resources to the race.
The hosting of the race will put Hà Nội and Việt Nam on the world map of major sporting events.
It is also a good opportunity to create a platform for leaders of the Government, ministries, localities to meet with major global corporations to engage in trade and investment discussions, creating additional jobs for the people of the city, and increasing number of tourists coming to the city, both domestically and internationally.
In a reception for Carey later on Wednesday, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc said authorities of Hà Nội, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and relevant agencies will do their utmost to successfully organise the F1 race.
The area surrounding the track include public grounds, a sport complex and warehouse area for Mỹ Đình National Sports Complex, and high-rises.
The organisation of F1 race requires roads to be blocked, and affects the livelihood of locals for 4-5 days prior to and during the main event. Yet, the main event will be held on the weekend, as traffic pressure has decreased considerably. Hà Nội will offer plans to inform people of the roadblocks and ensure safety for the whole event.
Alongside calculated timing and venue of the events, there will also be a host of other cultural and entertaining events to attract tourists and fans, like parades, film festival, F1 racers meet and greet.
The municipal People’s Committee will be the host of the event, while Vin Group is the sponsor. To successfully organise this event, Vin Group has established Grand Prix Việt Nam Limited as the exclusive promoter of the event. The hosting fee will be borne by Grand Prix Việt Nam Ltd. — VNS
