Thailand knocks on the doors of F1

This statement of intent came about after an exhibition of the Lotus Renault GP R31 by three sponsors of the British team (Total, Lotus, CTS, and TW Steel, to name but a few).

At the conclusion of the event, Akapol Sorasuchart, the president of the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau, told the Bangkok Post that he is currently receiving calls from businesses interested in bringing large events to the country to enhance its reputation now that the political situation has stabilized. The 2006 military coup had indeed significantly damaged the image of a country that derives a substantial portion of its income from beach tourism.

Akapol Sorasuchart stated: «Building an F1 circuit is very expensive, but it would be useful after the races are over. I think an urban circuit would be interesting for Thailand since it requires less investment. A good place would be Ratchadammoen Avenue because there is a very good atmosphere.»

This famous avenue has already experienced the thrill of a Formula One passing, as it was here that Mark Webber demonstrated his race car last December during the celebrations for King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birthday. The event, like most roadshows conducted worldwide, attracted crowds, with 150,000 people gathering along the avenue to admire the Australian driver.

But this project is still just a nice idea on paper since other countries have already demonstrated their willingness to join F1. For example, Vietnam had applied with a $150 million project last December before the authorities acknowledged that there was little chance of it materializing in the short term.

Especially since the calendar now includes 20 events, which is the limit imposed by the current regulations, and the teams seem reluctant to agree to significantly extending the length of the season. Turkey has thus borne the brunt of the arrival of the United States, being sacrificed for the 2012 calendar.

With the participation of RacingBusiness.fr