Hanoi finishes F1 racetrack

Hanoi has completed the construction of the F1 racetrack (Source: ttvn.vn)

The F1 racetrack was designed by Tilke Group from Germany, in co-operation with Formula 1's in-house Motorsport teamand has the length of 5,607m with 23 corners.

The racetrack in Hanoi reaches Grade 1 standards, the highest standards for Formula 1 racing, with high technical requirements. The roads are covered with three layers of special-grade asphalt produced specially for the purpose. Samples of this plastic layer have been sent to laboratories in Singapore and Germany for testing to ensure the requisite levels of friction and smoothness that can accommodate even speeds of 335km per hour.

Throughout the construction of the racetrack, VGPC has been prioritising the use of domestic materials. The engineers have checked suppliers from the North to the South and tested samples from various mines to find the highest-quality material. The stone used to form the final layer of the pavement was gathered from quarries in Quang Ninh, processed and mixed at a separate construction station only serving the track.

In addition to all completed fixed structures, auxiliary structures (including the grandstands which were named after landmarks and major cities of Vietnam, the press centre and health facilities, as well as a reception area for teams and logistics teams, restaurants, hotels, observation stations, and safety barriers) are being completed.

The Hanoi track will be the third race in the FIA F1 World Championship 2020, after the Australian and Bahrain stages, to take place on April 3-5. It will also be the very first time the F1 race comes to Vietnam, with what promises to be one of the most emotional and challenging tracks in Formula 1 racing history.

Le Ngoc Chi, general director of VGPC, said, "The Hanoi F1 racetrack has been completed not only on schedule but also achieved all the criteria of safety and other rigorous specifications of the FIA. These factors, especially safety, are one of the most important factors that make or break racing teams. As the only new race at the beginning of 2020, all the top racers in the world are thrilled to be the first to take on this challenging course."

In this January, the 300m Pit operating building was officially completed. The building is regarded as the symbol of the F1 Hanoi racetrack and was inspired by the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and Khue Van Pavilion, the two symbols representing the long history and abundant cultural heritage of the country.

In addition to the main F1 race, ticket buyers will also have the opportunity to witness two sub-races, Porsche Carrera Cup Asia and Thailand Super Series. Recreational activities, food festivals, and live performances will take place throughout the F1 race and the fan zone at every weekend.