Top speed: David Coulthard, a British former Formula One racing driver, was seen at an event to celebrate the successful deal in which Ha Noi will host a Formula 1 race. — VNS Photos Hong Van
It’s official… Formula One is heading to Ha Noi.
At a press conference in the capital on Wednesday, a deal was done to bring the prestigious sporting event to Ha Noi in April 2020.
Speaking at the conference, To Van Dong, Director of Ha Noi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said the race would be officially launched from April of 2020 for ten years.
Ha Noi 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 My Dinh National Stadium.
“The race in Ha Noi is a part of world F1, held not only to challenge racers but a fascinating performance to fans,” Dong said.
Chase Carey, CEO of F1 in Viet 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 Ha Noi, hoping it will be a long-term collaboration to bring Ha Noi to the world and the world to Ha Noi,” said Carey.
Nguyen Duc Chung, Chairman of People’s Committee, said right from this moment, via this conference, the world learns Viet Nam is hosting F1.
Fast and furious: Ha Noi 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, Ha Noi will only host and provide support to Grand Prix Viet Nam, an entity responsible holder for the race organisation. The race in Viet Nam is one of a series of races, therefore, Ha Noi does not have to mobilise many resources to the race.
The hosting of the race will put Ha Noi and Viet 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 Nguyen Xuan Phuc said authorities of Ha Noi, 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 My Dinh 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. Ha Noi 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 Viet Nam Limited as the exclusive promoter of the event. The hosting fee will be borne by Grand Prix Viet Nam Ltd. — VNS