Vietnam GP street circuit set for January completion

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The Vietnam GP street circuit in Hanoi is evolving according to plan, with the venue expected to be completed in January.

Next April, Vietnam will become the 33rd country to host a round of the F1 world championship.

Construction crews are approaching the final phase of the construction process, with work conducted under the guidance of F1's resident circuit architect Hermann Tilke.

The event's promoters have released new images of the ongoing construction of the 5.607km track which will feature 23 corners, or one more corner than initially expected following a demand by the FIA and F1.

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"We have changed a little bit on Turns 22 and 23," Vietnam Grand Prix Corporation CEO Ngoc Chi told Motorsport.com.

"It's a street circuit and you have to adjust it to the actual geographical conditions of the area, and make sure that it meets with every single requirement of the FIA and F1.

"The new [layout] shape will be out very soon, and everyone will see that the change is little, but it adds another turn to the circuit, and it is not too much different.

"But it's safe, and that's the most important thing."

The track's pit complex is on the verge of being completed, its design inspired directly from Hanoi's Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, while leveling of the track's asphalt is also expected to be completed by the new year.

The circuit will feature a 1.5km long straight where drivers are expected to reach a top speed of 335km/h.

While two thirds of the track will include public roads, Hermann Tilke underlined the necessity to re-asphalt the highways for F1 usage, adding that designing a street circuit was no less difficult that a normal track.

"You think it would have to be easier because the roads are already there," said Tilke.

"But that's not true. There are many more details to consider than a completely new course. In the end, the effort is similar for us."

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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.