Towards a Night F1 Grand Prix in Thailand in 2015?
Formula 1 could discover a new destination in 2015, Thailand, through a nighttime Grand Prix. This project, still in development, could gain momentum with the upcoming vote by the Thai government on the matter.
For many months now, the idea of a Formula 1 Grand Prix being organized in Thailand has been in the works. At the moment, nothing concrete is in place, but that could change as the Thai government is expected to vote in the coming weeks to finalize this project.
The vote is expected to take place by the end of April or the beginning of May, and if things come to fruition, the first Thai Grand Prix should be held in the country’s capital, Bangkok. It is expected to be a night race on a street circuit using existing roads, similar to the Singapore Grand Prix, which has been on the F1 calendar since 2008. Contrary to recent information that placed the race on the 2014 Formula 1 calendar, the first edition is not expected to take place until 2015.
However, even if this government vote is favorable, it will not mean that the Grand Prix will actually take place because, for the moment, nothing has been signed between the authorities responsible for the sport in Thailand and the Formula 1 management.
If the Grand Prix takes place, it should be primarily funded by the government – about 60% – and the rest should be covered by two companies, Red Bull and Singha Beer – sponsor of the Red Bull Racing team since 2010.
