No delay to F1 race despite coronavirus (Photo: Fox Sports Asia)
Hanoi (VNA) - The Formula 1 (F1) Vietnam Grand Prix 2020 will still take place on April 5 as scheduled despite growing concerns over the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes the acute respiratory disease COVID-19, the Hanoi Tourism Department announced on February 18.
The department said the F1 race is hoped to contribute to popularising the image of Vietnam, especially Hanoi’s tourism, to foreign friends.
Earlier, the F1 Chinese Grand Prix 2020, scheduled for April 19 in Shanghai, was postponed due to the deadly virus, casting doubts over the inaugural Vietnam race, which will be held in Hanoi, 100 miles from the border with China.
The event’s organising board said preparations were on schedule, and confirmed the race will take place as planned.
It is keeping close watch on the disease’s development and will notify those it may concern on the media if there is any change.
Earlier, CEO of F1 Ross Brawn also affirmed that the Vietnam Grand Prix will happen on schedule.
Vietnam has reported some cases of COVID-19 but the number is not large.
So far, Vietnam has cured 13 out of the 16 COVID-19 patients and it has gone through five consecutive days without more patients tested positive for the virus.
Vietnam Grand Prix Corporation (VGPC), which is a subsidiary of VinFast Manufacturing and Trading Company Limited - a member of Vietnam’s private conglomerate Vingroup, was entrusted with the rights to organise the F1 Vietnam Grand Prix by the Hanoi People's Committee.
VGPC is responsible for building the infrastructure of Hanoi F1 Racetrack, in addition to this facility. It will also manage and operate the F1 Vietnam Grand Prix from 2020 to 2030.
Furthermore, VGPC has also organised ticket sales and events to promote the F1 Vietnam Grand Prix 2020 in Vietnam and described the occasion as a world-class and unique event.
The introduction of F1 Grand Prix - one of the largest and most prestigious sports championship in the world, in Hanoi will elevate and put the capital on the map as a truly global city and a perfect destination to enjoy a world-class experience.
Meanwhile, the event’s silver sponsor - Heineken Vietnam, which is a subsidiary of the world’s most international brewer Heineken, also supported the Hanoi authority and VGPC to promote the F1 race in Vietnam during the "Formula 1 Vietnam Grand Prix Kick Off Event” in April 2019 at the My Dinh National Stadium.
At the "F1 Vietnam Grand Prix Kick Off Event”, for the first time, fans of this prestigious sport were able to admire and witness a live thrilling atmosphere, showcasing the explosive speeds of F1 racing cars.
Taking place at the venue which will become part of the official racetrack of the F1 Vietnam Grand Prix 2020, the event brought the F1 experience closer to the audience ahead of the race in 2020. In addition, a series of important information related to ticket sales such as ticketing packages, quantity and pricing were announced.
The F1 Vietnam Grand Prix 2020 is hoped to attract thousands of foreign travellers and speed aficionados, which will in turn promote the development of high-end hotels and restaurants and also show the Vietnamese people’s hospitality.
The success of the F1 race in Hanoi will help affirm Vietnam’s capability of organising world-class events, along with the country’s economic growth success.
According to Nguyen Viet Quang, Vice President and CEO of Vingroup, this prestigious F1 Vietnam Grand Prix will showcase Vietnam to the world and attract more foreign visitors and, furthermore, this event will mark the beginning of bringing a vibrant festive atmosphere to the capital throughout the upcoming seasons from now until 2030./.
