Hanoi Street Circuit, Vietnam, 2020

Vietnam promoter says cancelling first F1 race was “a very difficult decision”

2020 Vietnam Grand Prix

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The promoter of the Vietnam Grand Prix say they have taken a “very difficult decision” by accepting the cancellation of what was supposed to be their first Formula 1 race.

F1 and the FIA announced earlier today it has been cancelled due to the Coronavirus.

“The Vietnam Grand Prix Limited Liability Company (VGPC) regrets to announce the postponement of the Formula 1 VinFast Vietnam Grand Prix 2020 as scheduled,” it said in a statement. No new date for the race has been announced.

“The decision to postpone comes after extensive consideration of the ongoing and developing coronavirus situation as well as after the recent [World Health Organization] declaration of the outbreak as a global pandemic, and follows guidance from all relevant authorities whose collective concern is the health and well-being of the Vietnamese people as well as travelling Formula 1 fans, staff and championship participants.”

The Hanoi street circuit was completed last month ahead of the race.

“This has been a very difficult decision to reach, especially as preparations for Hanoi to join the world’s most prestigious sporting event with a world-class, state-of-the-art Formula 1 circuit had just entered their final stages,” the statement continued.

“VGPC will continue to work closely with Formula 1, the FIA, the Hanoi People’s Committee and the VMA to monitor the situation and will look to announce an alternative date and provide a further update for our ticket purchasers, sponsors and partners in due course.

“Our thoughts go out to all those directly and indirectly affected by the current coronavirus situation, as well as those for whom this announcement will be a disappointment as they looked forward to an exciting inaugural race in Vietnam.

“In the meantime, we would like to thank all our supporters, customers and fans for your understanding and hope to welcome you to the Hanoi Circuit in the very near future.”

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Keith Collantine
Lifelong motor sport fan Keith set up RaceFans in 2005 - when it was originally called F1 Fanatic. Having previously worked as a motoring...

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5 comments on “Vietnam promoter says cancelling first F1 race was “a very difficult decision””

  1. Well indeed, I expect it wasn’t easy, look at how governments in Europe are struggling to decide on (the strength of) measures to take, evolving every day. In the end, having made the decision now (well before teams start going there too, pfew), it might also be a bit of a relief – done is done, lot of worry around how this pandemic will develop; let’s see after that.

  2. A tough decision, but most likely the correct one.

    I can’t explain why, but I have a lot of good will towards the Vietnam GP. Maybe it’s just the impression of genuine enthusiasm for the GP that I get from the promoter’s statements.

    So when F1 gets back to Vietnam, I will be an eager viewer, and hoping for a circuit and race that is a worthy replacement to Sepang.

  3. Apparently 1 person sick from that virus, can distort the space time fabric but 4 sick haas staff are not enough to have teams pull up.

  4. It is s shame, considering the amount of money spent of the venue.

    But I wish every circuit would stop trying to soften the blow by saying “we are looking at alternative dates” etc. It aint happening. If the race is cancelled, we’ll see you next year.

  5. Percy S Gnaniah
    19th March 2020, 5:06

    I had already purchased tickets from the official site. Now with the cancellation or postponement of the race, Iam not sure if I accommodate the new date to my schedule. I had to cancel the Airline ticket and the hotel booking which they readily agreed. I hope that VPGC will not try to make a fast buck by trying not to refund the ticket cost, it should be made mandatory as AUSTRALIAN GP officials have already started.

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