Tourism leaders in Hanoi say the new F1 Grand Prix will go ahead as planned in April.

There is growing concern within the media and motor racing due to its proximity to China and the unease could impact spectator numbers.

Tran Trung Hieu, deputy director of Hanoi’s tourism department responded just days after F1 announced the Chinese Grand Prix would be postponed due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus in China.

“The time for the F1 race will not be postponed or delayed. It has a very huge impact on Vietnam and Hanoi’s tourism,” Tran said.

Hanoi has enthusiastically backed the race and has a lot riding in its success.

Hanoi is located about 200 miles from the China border.
The inaugural race takes place in Hanoi on April 5.

Sixteen people have been infected with the virus in Vietnam and authorities this week imposed a quarantine on several villages close to Hanoi where six new cases were reported.