Chi Le Ngoc (Vietnam Grand Prix Corporation): “We are 80% ready”

April 2020 is tomorrow. Where are you with your project?

I feel a little dizzy when I realize that there are only 120 days left until the weekend of April 3-5, 2020! I have a countdown timer in my office and I watch it every day. A bit like an advent calendar. The FIA ​​has confirmed the date on the calendar and our team is working tirelessly. The track will be 5,607 km long and 23 turns.

It is an urban route which will delight spectators. There was a bit of panic, of course, when the authorities refused our first project around the traditional and legendary Hoan Kiew Lake located in the historic center of Hanoi. But now we have found another solution in the western part of the city where the national sports complex is located. The circuit is made up of 2/3 of the existing roads. There is still a lot to do, but there is no delay.

Exactly, what remains to be done?

As it is a street circuit, we work on two permanent elements: the pit complex and the track. We are finishing the interior fittings of the buildings. As for the track, we have finished the new additional portion and are in the process of laying the layers of asphalt.

We expect everything to be completed by the end of the year. We are 80% ready. Then, we will begin the construction of the temporary elements: press room, hospitality, etc. The clearing of the land is underway and the foundations of the grand stand will follow at the beginning of January.

Is it a State Grand Prix or is the capital private?

Both ! Originally, the idea came from the mayor of Hanoi, Mr. Chung, who was convinced that Vietnam met the conditions to organize an event of this scale. After that, we finalized the deal with Liberty Media and found a compromise with the government which is 50% involved.

The government and utilities provide permits and logistics, and we take care of everything else: marketing, ticketing, liaison with Hanoi City, etc. It's working quite well for now and things can only move in the right direction.

How many spectators do you hope for?

Our fan base is still very small in Vietnam, but we are increasing initiatives to introduce people to the sport. A large proportion of our spectators will come from abroad, but the local population may be very curious for the very first time that the F1 goes to Vietnam. It's very ambitious, but we are banking on 250 spectators over 000 days.