Is a Vietnamese GP back on the block?

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Formula 1's bosses are apparently investigating once again the idea of putting Vietnam on the F1 calendar, with a possible race envisaged at Ho Chi Minh City.

According to the Sun's F1 reporter Ben Hunt, F1 officials have traveled to the Asian country for some due diligence on the potential event.

Vietnam inaugurated its first race track last year although no venue suitable to Grand Prix racing currently exists in the country.

First reactions among the F1 community have apparent been enthusiastic, with several of the sport's sponsors - notably Heineken - keen on the idea of adding another race in the all-important Asian region.

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"We are very present in Vietnam through a local partner and they were our guests in Monza and they were over the moon," said Heineken Senior Global Brand Director, Gianluca Di Tondo.

"So why not have a race in Ho Chi Minh City?"

The idea emerged a few months ago when Bernie Ecclestone revealed that he had turned down an apparent offer to stage a race in Vietnam, mainly because the country had no racing history.

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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.