Talks for 2020 Vietnam Grand Prix in an "advanced stage"

Charlie Whiting has confirmed talks to hold a Vietnam Grand Prix in 2020 are at an "advanced stage." The country has never hosted a Formula One race before, and it is just the latest signs of development with Liberty Media's plans to broaden F1's horizons.

Back in late August Chase Carey, F1's CEO confirmed he would like to see a race held in Vietnam. Click here to see the story.

According to racefans, Whiting today confirmed a site has been identified and the plans have started to roll.

“There’s no actual progress on building the track, but the site’s been identified,” said Whiting.

“It’s in the advanced stages of design, and as far as I’m aware they’re aiming for a 2020 Grand Prix which shouldn’t be a problem based on previous experience.”

“It’s mainly on the streets, and there’s a section which is not yet built, so it’s an open site where the pit buildings are going to be. There will be part of the track that will be built there, which doesn’t exist at the minute but it will become a road.”

Earlier in the year, Red Bull visited the country to host a demonstration run. The main debate this will spark is whether there is room in the calendar. Some drivers and teams describe the current 21-race schedule as too demanding. There are also other plans to introduce a Dutch Grand Prix.