Hà Nội breaks ground on F1 circuit

March 20, 2019 - 19:00

The official groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Formula One (F1) racetrack was held yesterday morning at Nam Từ Liêm District, Hà Nội.

Representatives break ground on the Hà Nội F1 circuit near Mỹ Đình National Stadium. — Photo Courtesy of organisers
Viet Nam News

HÀ NỘI — The official groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Formula One (F1) racetrack was held Wednesday morning at Nam Từ Liêm District, Hà Nội.

The ceremony was organised by the Hà Nội People’s Committee and Việt Nam Grand Prix, a member of Vingroup Joint Stock Company.

The F1 Hà Nội circuit and other related structures will sit on an area of 88 hectares, including areas around the Mỹ Đình National Stadium and some current public transportation routes.

The circuit is 5.565km in length, with 22 classic curves inspired by some of the world’s best-known circuits in Germany, Monaco and Japan. It will allow racers to show their high-level technique on tricky turns, creating challenging and breathtaking races.

Nguyễn Đức Chung, chairman of the city’s People’s Committee, said the groundbreaking ceremony was a significant milestone for the city in the march towards the completion of the process in April 2020.

The city had much work ahead, he said, but the results should meet the high standards of the most prestigious race in the word, the F1 Group, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA, English name: International Automobile Federation) and fans of car racing.

“The originality and difference of the Mỹ Đình circuit will be a challenge to racers,” said Chung. “The route is the harmonious and unique combination of history and culture, ancient beauty and modernity, helping to make F1 Hà Nội the most captivating race in the world.”

Chairman of the city’s People’s Committee Nguyễn Đức Chung said the groundbreaking ceremony was a significant milestone for the city. — Photo Courtesy of organisers

Designed by F1 Group and Germany’s Tilke Engineers and Architects, F1 Hà Nội will follow the strictest international safety rules. The areas around the course will include mobile stands and sideline events for fans like food stalls and cultural displays.

Chairman of FIA Jean Todt said he had watched a video simulation of the course, and the races were sure to enjoy it.

“I think the most fascinating thing about this event is how it looks like a chance to realise Việt Nam’s potential,” Todt said. “Việt Nam will have the opportunity to organise an F1 race like sanctuaries of speed Monte Carlo GP, Silverstone in England, GP in France and Monza in Italy. Việt Nam on the list of F1 races in upcoming years will be really great to see.”

As the main investor of the project, Nguyễn Việt Quang, vice chairman and general director of Vingroup, said the firm and its partners were honoured to be given the chance by the People’s Committee to organise the race.

“Việt Nam Grand Prix and Vingroup will do their best to welcome F1 perfectly,” he said.

Construction on the course and surrounding amenities is scheduled to be finished in March 2020. — VNS

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