After news of the Chinese GP’s postponement, there were plenty of concerns about the Vietnam F1 Grand Prix. The country is all set to host the inaugural Formula One Grand Prix in Hanoi. Amid doubts, the organisers have insisted that the country should have no issues hosting their first F1 race.

The virus has claimed more than 1,800 people in China, and the toll is rising day by day. The epidemic threw the Asian sporting calendar for a loop, with several events either postponed or cancelled entirely.

However, neighbours Vietnam, have insisted that their country will not be too badly affected. The authorities are determined to see the country’s inaugural F1 race go ahead as “scheduled” on April 5.

“The time for the… F1 race will not be postponed or delayed,” Tran Trung Hieu,Hanoi’s tourism department’s deputy director told the media. “Although this is a sports event, it has a very huge impact on Vietnam and Hanoi’s tourism.”

Further supporting the Vietnamese authorities claims, were AFP reports on the circuit’s progress. Reporters revealed that workers have been building stands at the racetrack and the construction is on schedule.

Why is the Vietnam F1 race so important?

The inaugural Vietnam F1 Grand Prix is a chance for Formula One to break into the south Asian market. The city of Hanoi is banking on the event’s popularity, especially after the officials signed a 10-year, multi-million-dollar deal. According to the state media, this deal would cost around $60 million per year.

The country’s largest private conglomerate, VinGroup, will be handling the fee. Their objective is to follow in Singapore’s footsteps and dazzle with a night race on a street track.

The commitment to hold the race will likely be welcomed by Formula One chiefs who are scrambling to fit the postponed Shanghai race into this season’s schedule.