F1 bosses in talks to hold Vietnam GP

Earlier this year, former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone said he could have done a deal with Vietnam but turned the chance down as he felt there were enough races in Asia.

But F1 commercial chief Sean Bratches has since said he wants more Asian street races with a particular focus on holding them in "iconic cities".

After Malaysia chose not to renew its F1 deal beyond this season, Motorsport.com understands the push for another race in Asia in the short term is high on F1 bosses' agenda.

Vietnam is on its list of potential venues, with talks between F1 and officials in the country on-going. Sources with good knowledge of the situation say that the option being considered is for a street race in Hanoi.

There is also a push for a second race in China, which is considered a very important market by F1's new bosses.

Bratches recently concluded a fresh three-year deal to retain the race in Shanghai, which will keep the venue on the calendar until at least 2020.

F1 bosses are now evaluating the potential of a second race, ideally a street race and potentially in Beijing - the world's second most populous city behind Shanghai.

Under the bi-lateral agreements, Bratches has said the number of races is capped at 25 per season, which based on next year's calendar means there is scope to add four more.

More than 40 venues have expressed an interest in holding a race, including from the likes of Portugal and Turkey.