Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and chairman of the Hà Nội People’s Committee Nguyễn Đức Chung discuss the design of the Vietnamese Formula One circuit in Hà Nội’s Nam Từ Liêm District. The Australian leader toured the racetrack on Friday as part of his three-day official visit to Việt Nam. — VNS Photo Trương Vị

HÀ NỘI — Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison was given a sneak peak of Hà Nội’s Formula One racetrack.

Staff are working around the clock to have the track and grandstands ready for the big race in April next year.

On Friday, the Australian leader was met at the track in Nam Từ Liêm District by a delegation of Việt Nam’s high level officials led by Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam.

He toured the site along with Nguyễn Đức Chung, chairman of the Hà Nội People’s Committee.

Speaking at the event PM Morrison said: “It demonstrates Việt Nam’s ability to deliver major international events as it and its significant tourism potential.

“I know there are thousands, and we’ve had lots of them, sports crazy Australians just waiting to travel to Hà Nội and sit here at the pit straight in April of next year. And many more will be joining the broadcast from around the world, not only in Australia.

“Delivering an event on the scale of the Grand Prix will also show the world the success of Việt Nam’s recent economic growth.

“Only a sophisticated economy with a heartwarming tourism hospitality, logistics, construction industries can deliver a world-class Grand Prix.”

The PM is currently touring Việt Nam as part of a three-day official visit to strengthen economic ties here.

He is due to leave Hà Nội today.

Also speaking at the event was Vingroup’s deputy chairman Nguyễn Việt Quang.

He said: “We expect the basic construction work and infrastructure to be completed in December 31.

“With a series of events being prepared for the launching ceremony, the track will be ready to welcome F1 racers and fans around the world in April 2020.”

Morrison is now well placed to give some tips to Australian Formula One star Daniel Ricciardo who drives for Renault. — VNS