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Vietnam is set to join the Formula 1 calendar, according to Forbes. Before Liberty Media's acquisition of F1 in January 2017, talks had been held between former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone and the Asian country regarding a Grand Prix.
However, Ecclestone cancelled the talks, turning down a $391.2m deal that would see Vietnam hold a 10-year contract: "I was approached about having a race in Vietnam," Ecclestone previously said. "I was offered the opportunity to meet the president about doing a deal for a Grand Prix. I could have done the deal and signed it in August. Everything was arranged for this to happen."
It is now believed that a meeting took place between in London this week with the Formula 1 Promoters Association present, and a source confirmed to Forbes: "A Vietnam street race is what they are going to announce."
It is understood that if plans were officially confirmed, the race will run through the streets of the country's capital, Hanoi. In 2010, proposals were launched to design a track in Ho Chi Minh City, but the idea was dropped as the country had strict rules which restricted locals from betting on sports events.
But these laws have since been relaxed and it now permits anyone with a monthly income exceeding £360 to take part in sports betting. The laws were ceased shortly after the nation's first race track was opened, called HappyLand Circuit.
Another country with a history of excellence in motorsport joining F1.
Nothing wrong with finding new locations, but I have a hard time seeing Vietnam as a prime location. It worked in Malaysia, Singapore, and Shanghai because (1) it's close to large urban centers and (2) there is a lot of money around. As a venue I'd love to see a race in Vietnam, but I hate the idea of a race that will not be well attended, or that will run out of money to run the event.
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Hope they have improved the Hanoi Hilton else the primadonnas will be a tad uncomfortable ?