Vietnam set to host F1 race after government support

Vietnam looks set to host a Formula One race after much discussion behind the scenes. F1 CEO Chase Carey previously admitted before the summer break that a race in the country was something that the sport would be interesting in discussing.

Mai Tien Dung, chief of the government office, said late Thursday in a statement that the prospect of a race in the country was one that has received support from locals as well as government backing as the country hopes to add another race in the East to the flyaway stint in the season.

"All (government) ministries and agencies support the idea to create a new attraction for Hanoi.

“Hanoi authorities have asked people living in the planned area for their opinions about holding the race and they have all shown their support, to attract tourists."

Although a date was not hinted at in the statement, the possibility of a race being held in 2019 is out of the question, with Liberty Media set to finalise next season's schedule imminently, the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim the latest addition to the list of races.

The race would be a street circuit though hosted in the city of Hanoi, making Vietnam the fourth street race on the calendar.