The Thailand Grand Prix in 2014 to be finalized by the end of the year?
As the Thailand Grand Prix is reportedly only awaiting the government's green light to be officially announced, Kanokphand Chulakasem, governor of the National Sports Authority, reveals some details about the conditions for organizing this Grand Prix, which could be held in November 2014.
After several weeks of discussions, an agreement has reportedly been reached for the organization of a Thailand Grand Prix, starting in 2014, says Kanokphand Chulakasem, governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand: « Formula One has decided to include Thailand in the calendar for its 2014 season. »
Sponsored and financially supported by Red Bull – whose co-founder, Chaleo Yoovidhya, was Thai – and the brewer Singha, the event is expected to be funded 60% by the Thai government, so the final agreement will need to be awaited before any official announcement: « As soon as the negotiations [with Bernie Ecclestone, ed.] are finished, we will present the project to the cabinet for it to be discussed and approved. We will only sign an agreement once we have the green light from the government, » explains Kanokphand Chulakasem.
While he indicates that the fees paid for the organization should not exceed those paid by Singapore, approximately 30 million euros per year, the Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand states that a contract could be signed later this year and that it could be a one-year agreement with an option.
Announced as a night race, the Thai event could take place in November 2014, in the streets of the capital, Bangkok. While the exact location remains to be determined, Kanokphand Chulakasem claims to be working closely with F1 officials to find the best site, with three locations currently under consideration.
The Grand Prix could thus take place in the historical and administrative heart of Bangkok, on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, where Red Bull organized a Road Show in December 2010. The event could also be held in the more modern district of Muang Thong Thani, north of the capital, not far from the airport, unless the feasibility studies conducted jointly with F1 officials favor the port area of Khlong Toei, located southeast of central Bangkok, on the banks of the Chao Phraya.
For the record, the Thailand Grand Prix should not be the only new addition to the 2014 World Championship calendar, as the resort town of Sochi is expected to host the first Russian Grand Prix in history.
