Formula 1 breaks ground in Hanoi!

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The organisers of the 2020 Vietnam Grand Prix, together with the People's Committee of Hanoi and FIA president Jean Todt, hosted a groundbreaking event on Wednesday.

Work is now underway in Hanoi's Nam Tu Liem district for the construction of the Hermann Tilke-designed 5.6km track at which Vietnam will get its first taste of Formula 1.

Jean Todt hailed Hanoi's achievement and hoped that next year's milestone event will spur Vietnam's motorsport interest and perhaps breed a new generation of drivers for the South-Asian the country.

"It's fantastic for the development of the motorsport in Vietnam and in the region," said the president of F1's governing body.

"I really hope that soon here will also be facilities to host cart racing, drifting racing.

"You have young people, talented with a passion for motorsports, that's why I think it's very important to involve very quickly a new category of motorsport."

Vietnam Grand Prix promoter Vingroup, which signed a multi-year deal with Liberty Media, F1's commercial rights holder, is hoping the event will fill the void left by Malaysia's departure from the F1 calendar and follow the success of Singapore

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.