27 Feb 2020
Hanoi Circuit completed in advance of F1's first ever Vietnam GP
BY Stu Robarts
Tilke Engineers and Formula 1’s Motorsports Division have completed the construction of the Hanoi Circuit track, which will host the first ever F1 race in Vietnam and the third round of the 2020 championship on the weekend of 3-5 April.
Formula 1’s newest circuit is 5.6km (3.5mi)-long and will see drivers negotiate 23 turns on their way around it, reaching a top speed of 335km/h (208mph).
It is said to have a "unique hybrid design" that combines the characteristics of a street circuit with the layout of a permanent track.
Le Ngoc Chi, CEO of the Vietnam Grand Prix Corporation, said: "With the help of everyone at Tilke and F1’s Motorsport Division, we feel confident in saying that this track will be one of the most challenging and exciting on the F1 calendar and we look forward to it quickly becoming a fan favourite."
The final asphalt coating was applied to the remaining 150m (492ft) of the circuit last week, despite tests having already shown that it met FIA requirements.
F1 circuits require the right balance of friction and smoothness to ensure that there is enough grip for the cars, that tyres will not be unduly worn and that stones won't be thrown up from the surface during races.
According to the Vietnam Grand Prix Corporation, all of the materials used for the construction of the circuit were sourced in Vietnam, with mines across the country having been searched to find the best quality material and a purpose-built mixing station built to produce the best possible quality asphalt.
The completion of the circuit following the recent completion of its 300m (984-ft)-long pit building, the design of which is inspired by Hanoi's Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and Pavilion of the Constellation of Literature.
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