Thailand revs up for F1
FORMULA 1: Big progress has been made in bringing F1 to Thailand by 2014.
Coconuts Bangkok
Friday 15 June 2012, 10:21AM
Kanokphand Chulakasem, the governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, said: “Our discussions with [Formula One CEO] Bernie Ecclestone have gone smoothly. We expect to get rights to host a grand prix from 2014 onwards.”
Thailand’s Chalerm Yoovidhya, owner of the popular Red Bull F1 race team, is currently aiding in working out the logistics of bringing the world-class event to Thailand, according to The Nation.
A sure sign of progress is the announcement of the famed ‘Race of Champions’, an event that will see Rajamangala Stadium turned into an F1 track where famous drivers Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher will go head to head in a 200-300kph race.
“We have set aside a B400million budget for the event each year, some from Red Bull, Singha Corporation and other private sector partners.. We believe the event will boost Thailand’s image internationally and bring huge revenue to the country. We’ll transform Rajamangala into a world-class track with a B10million budget,” said Kanokphand.
The event takes place on December 16-17 at Rajamangala Stadium.
