Vietnam releases updated F1 track map with extra corner

The circuit layout for the inaugural Vietnam Grand Prix in April has been tweaked, adding one extra corner in the final sector.

Vietnam will host a Formula 1 race for the first time on April 5 next year on a circuit that has been designed by Hermann Tilke, mixing some permanent track sections with a traditional street course.

The initial 22-corner layout was revealed upon the announcement of the grand prix back in November 2018, but as work continues on the track leading up to the inaugural race, updates have been made.

As per a statement from the Vietnam Grand Prix promoters, the change was made “after further consideration of the surrounding geographical conditions and has been fully supported by both F1 and the FIA, who have been working closely with the event organisers to ensure all changes have been carried out according to standard regulations.

“The new Turn 23 is a 100 percent left turn where the track widens out again to 15m where it will lead on to the start/finish line for one last push by the drivers when they race in Hanoi for the first time in Formula 1’s history next April.”

Slight tweak to the Vietnam GP circuit layout now confirmed, adding an extra corner in the final sector #F1 pic.twitter.com/3d3jUS9l25

— Luke Smith (@LukeSmithF1) December 11, 2019

The tweak increases the lap length from 5.565 km to 5.607 km, and will put the Hanoi Street Circuit level with the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore for having the most corners of any F1 track.

Pictures of the ongoing track build in Hanoi were released last week, with plans currently keeping to schedule ahead of the race.

Vietnam will host the third round of the 2020 F1 season following Australia and Bahrain.