Grand Prix 2020: Vietnam Reveals Updated Track With Extra Turn

As the preparations continue to get into gear for the inaugural Vietnam Grand Prix for the 2020 season in April, organizers have revealed an updated layout for their street circuit with an additional corner towards the end of the lap.

The Hanoi track seems to be a combination of permanent and street sections of track that at first had 22 turns. It takes its inspiration from other notable tracks such as Suzuka and Nurburgring.

However, street circuits tend to have extra challenges when it comes to the layouts, as one would have to work around the current infrastructure.

After an assessment, the final part of the lap has been reconfigured with a 23rd corner added, and the track widened by 15 meters.

The extra corner will also extend the track from 5.65 km to 5.607 km.

The first layout had a left handler at Turn 21, leading into a tight left-handed turn for the 22nd one. It would have been the final one on the track.

Now the turn will end at Turn 21, before a tight left-hander at the 22nd one and an open left-hander at turn 23.

Le Ngoc Chi from the Vietnam Grand Prix told motorsport that it was a street circuit, so one would have to adjust it to the geographical conditions of the vicinity and make sure that it meets the needs of the FIA and Formula 1.

He added that they have been working closely with the FIA and Formula 1 so they make everything they do ensures the safety of the driver, while still having the entertainment factor that allows the drivers to showcase their skills on the turns.

The news of the adjustment to the track comes in after the organizers revealed the track is to be finished during early January with a 300-meter long pit building.

It was inspired by Hanoi’s Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, which was set to be ready at the end of the year.

The circuit in Vietnam is one of the first to be established by Formula 1’s motorsport team, and it is in collaboration with respected circuit designers like Tilke, who did the Austin circuit.

The hope is the new layout is going to allow for more competitive racing and exciting passes. Chi claimed the track has a stretch, which at 1.6 km is one of longest on the track schedule, and it is going to see cars reach an astounding 335 km/h.