Formula 1 is gearing up to confirm the arrival of a Vietnam Grand Prix on the 2020 calendar following conclusive discussions between Liberty Media and the event's promoters in Hanoi.
Vietnam, one of south-east Asia's fastest-growing economies, had set its sights on becoming a Grand Prix venue under the Bernie Ecclestone era.
The plans were discarded however by F1's former supremo, because of the country's complete lack of motorsport heritage, but Liberty Media picked up the ball to revive Vietnam's F1 ambitions.
On Sunday, F1 race director Charlie Whiting revealed that he had visited Vietnam's chosen site, located just on the outskirts of Hanoi, on his way to Suzuka last week.
"There is no actual progress at building the track, but the site has been identified," he said.
"It is in the advanced stages of design and I think, as far as I am aware, they are aiming for a 2020 Grand Prix. That shouldn’t be a problem based on previous experience."
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Whiting added that Hanoi's circuit would include local roads as well as a purposely-built section.
"It is mainly on the streets, but there is a section that is not yet built," he explained.
"That is an open site where the pit buildings are going to be built. Part of the track will be built there, which doesn’t exist at the moment. But it will become a road after that."
Liberty Media, which could announce its deal with Vietnam as soon as next month, is looking at adding potentially two new races to the 2020 calendar, with Miami still in the works in addition to Hanoi.
However, it is uncertain whether F1's schedule shall be boosted beyond its current 21-race programme or whether existing races may fall off the calendar.
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