The decision of the FIA to include Vietnam on the F1 calendar of the 2020 season is quite surprising. Imagine, a country that was once divided into two countries is not a country that is crazy about car racing. Similar to Indonesia, motorbike is very much preferred by its citizens rather than cars. Moreover, the circuit used is the highway circuit. This means that the city government of Hanoi is specifically preparing this arena for F1.
The initial idea to present the F1 series in Vietnam was given by the CEO of the FIA, Bernie Ecclestone who insisted on holding an additional race in Asia after the Malaysian GP came out in 2017. Vietnam GP will become the 2nd F1 series in Southeast Asia after the Singapore GP.
CIRCUIT
Hanoi Highway Circuit or Hanoi Street Circuit is the official name of the track to be used. The 5,607-meter circuit is a non-permanent highway circuit designed by renowned circuit designer, Hermann Tilke, who previously also successfully designed several other world-class modern circuits such as Sepang, Shanghai, Istanbul, and others. Tilke also designed the Jakabaring circuit in Palembang which was previously planned to hold a MotoGP event before moving to the Mandalika area of Lombok.
It can be ascertained that this circuit will present a beautiful layout and race with the longest straight track reaching 1.5 kilometers which is one of the longest straight tracks ever in F1. Hermann Tilke claimed that the main inspiration in building this circuit was the combination of various legendary circuits in the world such as Monaco, Suzuka, Sepang, Austin, and also Nurburgring.
In addition to very long straight tracks that make it easier for high-powered cars to show their teeth with maximum acceleration, this circuit also presents bends specifically designed to make it easier for racers to overtake each other.
At the end of 2019, the circuit manager planned to slightly change the layout at the last 2 turns for security reasons.
LOCATION
This circuit is in the Nam T Lim district, Hanoi. Or rather, this circuit is in the area of Vietnam’s National Stadium, the My Dinh National Stadium. This circuit also crosses several ancient buildings and historic relics in Vietnam.
Nam Tu Liem District itself is not only a district that has several urban areas but also the relics of the old city which is still maintained today. At a glance, this circuit will remind us of the Baku circuit in Azerbaijan.
REPLACEMENT MALAYSIA GP
The loss of the Malaysian Grand Prix was a major blow to the FIA and F1 as well, the reason for Malaysia’s withdrawal from the F1 calendar was due to the diminishing enthusiasm of its F1 citizens and not the least cost. Finally, the Malaysian government focused more on the MotoGP event rather than F1.
Since then, the CEO of FIA, Bernie Ecclestone, wants to gain new markets in areas that do not have strong ties regarding car racing. Call it the presence of Azerbaijan and Singapore which are considered capable of reaching new F1 fans.
FANS CONCERNS
The presence of the Vietnam Grand Prix was apparently seen as pessimistic by some of the most prestigious land jet racing fans on the planet. Fans compare circuit layout that resembles the Sochi circuit in Russia.
With the same character that is non-permanent circuit, the sochi circuit is considered to fail in presenting the excitement of F1 racing. Straight tracks that are too long and the bends that are less likely to overtaking are considered as the cause. Some even say that watching F1 Russian GP is like seeing a vehicle passing by on the Toll Road.
Not to mention the fact that Vietnamese prefer motorbikes to cars. Making the presence of F1 in the country underestimated. Nevertheless, the organizers mentioned and guaranteed that the race on the highway circuit on this one would run exciting.
SPIRING INDONESIA FANS
Hoping F1 is present in Indonesia seems quite impossible, for that some fans consider watching F1 in Singapore as less of a problem than waiting for F1 to be present in Indonesia. Every year, thousands of Indonesians go to Singapore just to watch F1 live on the Marina Bay Circuit.
And it seems that the presence of the Vietnam GP will spoil us even more. Traveling to Vietnam is becoming a trend for homeland travelers. Low costs and a much stronger rupiah exchange rate than Dong Vietnam makes various daily necessities there seem quite cheap. And this apparently will be an attraction for local fans of the country to visit Vietnam while watching live F1.
Deploying F1 on Vietnam also spoiled viewers who watched through the screen. The same time zone makes us not have to wake up at dawn like when watching the American GP or sunset when watching the GP in European countries.
RACING SCHEDULE
Vetnam GP will greet racing fans in April 2020, Free Practice 1 and 2 will be held on Friday, April 3, 2020, Free Praactice 3 and Qualification will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2020, while the Peak Race will be held at Sunday, April 5, 2020.
Can’t wait to wait for Vietnam GP? Can the Mercedes team dominate the very Mercedes circuit this time, or is Ferrari able to put up a balanced fight? Or even other teams that will surprise you?
ASL
