Organisers at the new Vietnam Grand Prix hope the race can take place “in the very near future” following its postponement.
In recent days, it has become less and less likely the event, initially set for April 5, would happen as scheduled and, in the wake of the Australian GP cancellation on Friday, that fate was realised.
“The Vietnam Grand Prix Limited Liability Company (VGPC) regrets to announce the postponement of the Formula 1 VinFast Vietnam Grand Prix 2020 as scheduled.
“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.”
Vietnam has been dealing with the fallout of cases crossing from neighbouring China with 53 people in total infected.
Even so, preparations for the inaugural event were well advanced with the permanent section of the semi-street circuit completed along with pit buildings and grandstands, leaving only the barriers and other infrastructure to be installed on the public roads.
“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.”