Thai Grand Prix To Be Held In Bangkok As Early As 2014

Once again it has been announced that Thailand is eager to host a Formula 1 race as early as 2014, with a proposed circuit around the streets of Bangkok under floodlights similar to the Singapore Grand Prix. However, the all-important race fee between the proposed race organizers and Bernie Ecclestone has yet to be confirmed.

Plans for Thailand to host a Grand Prix have been floating around the paddock for several years now, however plans for a night race around the streets of Bangkok look set to go ahead as Formula 1 continues its endeavor away from its European roots, to more lucrative Asian markets. After a senior government official and representatives from Red Bull met with Mr. Ecclestone at Singapore, it seems plans for the race have been completed with only the race fee yet to be determined.

“It will be a city race like in Singapore and Monaco.” Explained Kanokphand Chulakasem, governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT). “It will be a night race like the Singapore Grand Prix.”

Although the race is far from confirmed, with important aspects such as the race fee yet to be agreed, it has come to light that the Thai government will fund 60% of the total cost of the race, whereas the remaining 40% will come from sponsors such as Red Bull and Singha. With 20 races planned for the 2014 season, including new venues at New Jersey in America and Sochi in Russia, the question now is which race will make way for the introduction of Thailand to the F1 calendar?

Naturally, any plans for a Thai Grand Prix cannot proceed without the race fee being decided. Until such time, a race around the streets of Bangkok will forever remain speculation, however it’s unquestionable that Mr. Ecclestone and the proposed race organizers finally seem determined to bring one of the fastest sports in the world to Thailand.

Picture Copyright © Getty Images

Thai Grand Prix The Next Asian Event To Join F1?

Thailand looks set to be joining fellow Asian nations’ Singapore, Korea and India in hosting a Formula 1 event in the near future. The proposed venue is a street circuit at Ratchadamnoen Avenue in the capital city of Bangkok, which has been favored over a new and costly permanent circuit at Pattaya.

In 2010, Mark Webber demonstrated his Red Bull RB6 around Ratchadamnoen Avenue. It is the owner of Red Bull – Dietrich Mateschitz – that has fueled the recent speculation of Thailand hosting an F1 race in the future.

“The idea is good. We are in talks.” Said Red Bull owner, Dietrich Mateschitz, “Thailand could host a Formula 1 race in the next two or three years, [Bernie] Ecclestone agrees with the idea. We may sign an agreement soon. I can’t give you details because it is not my responsibility. All I can tell you is that a race could take place here in the next two or three years. I remember that a lot of people watched the show [Webber’s demonstration] and a race here will be successful.”

There has only ever been one Thai driver in the history of Formula 1, in Prince Bira who competed in 19 races throughout the 1950s including the first official FIA Formula 1 race at Silverstone in 1950.

If Thailand did host a race in the future, it would become the 9th Asian Grand Prix on the calendar. With the addition of a second American Grand Prix in 2013 and a Russian Grand Prix in 2014, the Formula 1 calendar is becoming dangerously packed with events. This will undoubtedly mean the loss of further Grands Prix, with the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka and the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa two races which are currently not contracted beyond the 2012 season.

Picture Copyright © Getty Images