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The Formula 1 circuit in Hà Nội's Mỹ Đình Ward has been completed at international standards and ready for operation, but on Friday the Vietnam Grand Prix Company made an announcement to postpone the race, which was scheduled to take place in April 3-5. — VNA/VNS Photo Thành Đạt
HÀ NỘI — Just 22 days before the lights were due to turn green to mark the start of the first ever Formula One race to be held in Hà Nội, the plug has been pulled.
The inaugural race for Việt Nam was due to take place over the weekend of April 3-5.
But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organisers have postponed the event. In a statement issues Friday evening, those in charge said they hope to bring the event back to Việt Nam’s capital city once the threat subsides.
“Our thoughts go out to all those directly and indirectly affected by the current coronavirus situation, as well as those for whom this announcement will be a disappointment as they looked forward to an exciting inaugural race in Việt Nam.
“This has been a very difficult decision to reach, especially as preparations for Hanoi to join the world’s most prestigious sporting event with a world-class, state-of-the-art Formula 1 circuit has just entered their final stages.”
The announcement comes hot on the heels of the cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix which was due to open the F1 season in Melbourne on Sunday.
Earlier this week, Formula One Group CEO Chase Carey was in Hà Nội for high-level talks with government officials.
And on Friday night an announcement from Vietnam Grand Prix Company was made.
The statement said: “The decision to postpone the Formula 1 Vinfast Vietnam Grand Prix 2020 was made after several discussions and careful consideration between the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), Formula One World Championship Ltd (F1), the Hà Nội People’s Committee, and the Vietnam Motorsports Association (VMA), with a consensus from the Vietnam Grand Prix company (VFPC).
“This is a tough decision as 2020 is the year Việt Nam became one of the 22 official hosts of the F1 race. VGPC and the city’s committee has prepared the best of infrastructure and technical and technological foundations that meet the strict requirements of F1 and FIA.
“The F1 circuit in Mỹ Đình has been completed at international standards and ready for operation. However, as COVID-19 is getting more complicated and declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, Formula 1 Vinfast Vietnam Grand Pix has been postponed to ensure the safety of the Vietnamese people, visitors, racers and partners.
“FIA, F1, the Hà Nội People’s Committee, VMA and VFPC will continue their collaboration and keep a close watch on COVID-19 to decide on a new date that will be safer and more suitable for the grand prix to take place and will make an official announcement to the public.
“As Formula 1 Vinfast Vietnam Grand Pix is one of the most anticipated events of the F1 calendar this year, FIA, F1, the Hà Nội People’s Committee, VMA and VFPC will do their best to bring it back to Hà Nội after COVID-19 is under control.
“We would like to thank our supporters, customers and fans for your understanding and hope to welcome you to the Hanoi Circuit in the very near future.”
This would have been the inaugural race for Việt Nam, who last year reached a deal with F1 to host the Formula One meeting for up to 10 years.
Only last month, the racetrack and grandstand at Mỹ Đình were completed.
Organisers say they are still looking at rescheduling the race, if a suitable date can be found when the COVID-19 outbreak has died down.
The Formula 1 governing body said the race in Bahrain, due to take place on March 20-22 has also been postponed. F1 said they still expect the race season to begin, but at the end of May.
A spokesman said: "Formula 1 and the FIA continue to work closely with the race promoters in Bahrain and Vietnam and the local health authorities to monitor the situation and take the appropriate amount of time to study the viability of potential alternative dates for each Grand Prix later in the year should the situation improve.
"As a result, Formula 1 and the FIA expect to begin the Championship in Europe at the end of May but given the sharp increase in COVID-19 cases in Europe in recent days, this will be regularly reviewed." — VNS