Thailand now has a track for Formula 1

For several months now, Thailand seems to be a serious candidate for a spot on the F1 calendar in the coming years, and things have become even more concrete in recent days following a vote by the Thai government. It has approved the project for a circuit laid out in the heart of Bangkok.

If Formula 1 ever comes to Thailand – which some consider possible and likely for 2015 through a nighttime Grand Prix, it will stop in the country’s capital, Bangkok, on a 5.995-kilometer urban track laid out on major avenues and around several main landmarks of the city, such as the Grand Palace, the Democracy Monument, and Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn.

For the moment, only the layout of a circuit has been approved, and this does not mean that a Formula 1 Grand Prix will actually take place on this circuit in the coming years. However, with support from brands like Red Bull and Singha Beer, and the Thai government’s desire to host Formula 1, particularly with the aim of using this platform to promote tourism in the country, the likelihood of seeing F1 cars racing in Thailand—other than for roadshows—seems to increase day by day.

As with all the other urban circuits featured on the Formula 1 World Championship calendar, temporary stands are expected to be constructed with the aim of accommodating around 150,000 fans. One of the challenges of this race will also be managing transportation for spectators and handling inconveniences for the many residents living around the circuit, although Kanokphand Chulakasem – head of sports in Thailand – told the Bangkok Post that this number won’t be so high: « Only a small group of residents will be affected by the proposed circuit. »