Will the Tourism Authority of Thailand ever invest in Formula One?

[webfact]

 

Last week a contract for Singapore to host the Formula 1 Grand Prix for another seven years was signed, with the event set to return to the streets of Marina Bay from Sep 30 to Oct 2, 2022, after a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

The Transport Minister and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations in Singapore said, "We have decided to continue hosting the F1 race for another seven years, after thoroughly evaluating the long-term benefits that a term extension could bring to Singapore.

 

"The renewal will help sustain Singapore’s reputation as a global city with a vibrant lifestyle, attracting international visitors as travel rebounds, and generating business revenue and jobs for Singaporeans," he added.

 

The massive TV coverage that Singapore receives is enormous and their government feels it is worth it for increasing the profile of the country and attracts big dollars not only during the race weekend but also throughout the year.

 

Although Vietnam got as far as building a street track in Hanoi, due to Covid the launch in 2020 was cancelled and now the government and sponsors are not currently in touch with Liberty the F1 organisers.

Thailand Grand Prix

 

As an F1 fan, I would love to actually go to a race in the Land of the Smiles. 

 

Bangkok has to be favorite as a venue, as it not only has the infrastructure to support the F1 circus and the thousands of fans, but it would look great on TV too.

 

Some could also argue that Pattaya with its planned high-speed trains and family friendly attractions could also put in a bid. I am sure the mechanics would love Walking Street.

 

Certainly, the first Moto GP in Buriram was a massive success and the riders even voted it the best circuit that year. 

 

The Singapore Grand Prix night race was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 after it was scheduled as part of the Formula 1 race calendar. 
 

The Singapore Transport Minister added, “I think we all recognise that events, such as the Formula 1, generate significant economic benefits and global branding value for Singapore. They invigorate Singapore's events calendar; they build our international demand and support job creation of businesses." 

 

Therefore, instead of spending government funds on creating more expressways across Thailand, they should also embrace the economic and PR benefits and put their money into inviting Liberty, to seriously consider adding another exciting night race in 2024 or 2025.

 

At least the Minister of Transport has enough experience in building fast expressways!

 

Do you think the F1 will ever come to Thailand and if so where is the best place to build the circuit?

 

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[Gold Star]

On Thai roads, every day is Formula One, and Demolition Derby.

[Orinoco]

Just now, Gold Star said:

On Thai roads, every day is Formula One, and Demolition Derby.

More like,  Formula Somchai,

This requires no skill, no brains and no care.

a very dangerous mix indeed.

TIT.

 

[steven100]

which place is more developed and suited that would be best to host the Formula 1  race ....  Singapore or Bangkok  

 

hmmm ....  now let me think for a second  !     oh never mind ...  you already know the answer    !!   Lol

[jacko45k]

9 minutes ago, steven100 said:

which place is more developed and suited that would be best to host the Formula 1  race ....  Singapore or Bangkok  

 

hmmm ....  now let me think for a second  !     oh never mind ...  you already know the answer    !!   Lol

How about Pattaya, they seem really keen on events that close the roads down and create traffic chaos. 

[Moti24]

And how are the stray dogs going to be kept off the track?

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, Gold Star said:

On Thai roads, every day is Formula One, and Demolition Derby.

Maybe they could stage a hill climb in the north.. 

[Tarteso]

Invest in F1.. It’s just what they need, Speed and Races, while reading another treat.. About 3.5 million Thais who suffer from rare diseases have no access to treatment and the usual farmer’s pension is 500/month.

 

Go figure ! ????

[Classic Ray]

I’d love to see it in Bangkok as they negotiate the potholes, queue up at the U turns, don’t wait for the red lights to go out, avoid the Soi dogs and the aunties on pedal cycles crossing the track to get to the somtam vendors stalls set up in the pit lane.

Every other garage could be a massage parlour or beer bar for refreshment during the traffic jams, or drinks could be delivered directly to the drivers by Grab motorcycle.

 

A few taxis would no doubt make their way onto the circuit and try and go the long way around before stopping in the middle of the track.

 

And we all know which General would be waving the chequered flag!

[Ralf001]

25 minutes ago, Moti24 said:

And how are the stray dogs going to be kept off the track?

That would be the fences and barricades they put up around the circuit.

Have you not seen an F1 race ?

 

[klauskunkel]

Quote

Will the Tourism Authority of Thailand ever invest in Formula One?

Only if you want this kind of headline:

Tuk-Tuk kills Formula One driver on zebra crossing

[Ralf001]

4 minutes ago, klauskunkel said:

Only if you want this kind of headline:

Tuk-Tuk kills Formula One driver on zebra crossing

Would the track official that let them onto the track be liable for manslaughter ?

[Orinoco]

Just now, Moti24 said:

And how are the stray dogs going to be kept off the track?

Better still,  put food on the track for them

Win, Win, i would say.

TIT.

[Blaxland]

The F1 calendar is over subscribed as it is.To even to be seriously considered there would need to be a sound proposal.Temporary street circuits are both costly and disruptive.Albert Park despite being long established has massive opposition.Given the Thai road death toll a permanent circuit with year round use as a driver training/defensiveness rider/driver courses would make more sense and easier to justify the expenditure.The current permanent circuits are not well geographically positioned to accomodate F1.A new purpose built facility in Northern Phuket coastal area on Government land would showcase Thailand to the world in a positive light.

[KhaoYai]

Apparently a deal was close in 2017 - what's happened since? Who knows? I was at the Abu Dhabi grand prix that year and spoke to one of Lewis Hamilton's assistants in the airport who told me there were intense negotiations going on at the time.

 

Buriram circuit is up to standard apparently but I doubt the local hotel infrastructure would be sufficient for the F1 crowd.  A Bangkok street circuit had been discussed but where?  Given the height of the kerbs and all the roadside clutter, some major changes would have to take place - and what about the food stalls and market traders, would they agree? ????

[jacko45k]

1 minute ago, KhaoYai said:

and what about the food stalls and market traders, would they agree?

Aren't most of them there illegally or simply paying the police to leave them alone?

[mrfill]

The circuit has already been built. A grade 1 Hermann Tilke designed track at Buriram.

The problem is the habit of F1 to demand huge fees from the tracks as well as all the trackside advertising revenue. The fees can easily exceed $50m/year and it would require government funding. The previous attempt to get F1 to Thailand was in 2012 when Bernie Ecclestone reckoned it would be on the calendar 'by 2015'. A law was passed banning races in inner Bangkok and it all went quiet. Can't see this ever happening really.

[Ralf001]

8 minutes ago, Blaxland said:

The F1 calendar is over subscribed as it is.To even to be seriously considered there would need to be a sound proposal.Temporary street circuits are both costly and disruptive.Albert Park despite being long established has massive opposition.Given the Thai road death toll a permanent circuit with year round use as a driver training/defensiveness rider/driver courses would make more sense and easier to justify the expenditure.The current permanent circuits are not well geographically positioned to accomodate F1.A new purpose built facility in Northern Phuket coastal area on Government land would showcase Thailand to the world in a positive light.

Never been to the Bang Saen race ?

 

https://www.racingcircuits.info/asia/thailand/bangsaen.html

[herfiehandbag]

28 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

That would be the fences and barricades they put up around the circuit.

Have you not seen an F1 race ?

 

Only on the telly.

Watching single seat cars belting round a road circuit following each other palled a bit after 10 minutes or so...

[warrima]

I liked attending the Malaysian Grand prix. KL is a great little city and the Sepang circuit is one of the best of the modern tracks. If they couldn't make it work financially there with the backing of Petronas - no hope here.  Hosting fee's are insane and the gate receipts don't come close to covering it. For the locals the ticket prices were out of reach.

 

MotoGP was a bigger hit as the ticket prices were much much lower. 100MYR for a weekend pass. 

[rotorbreeze]

My summer town in BC Canada has formula one racing in Oliver BC designed by Jill Velinue and helped with local Indian band have great future in this sport... here facts Area 27..

https://area27.ca/

 

A circuit unlike any other.

Imagine a racetrack like no other, with the flow of a classic Grand Prix circuit and benefits of modern technology. Designed and built with intention, taking advantage of natural elevation changes, and featuring a variety of corners to tempt, test and challenge. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery in Canada’s warmest climate – the motorsport equivalent of Pebble Beach. Area 27 is a driving enthusiast’s dream.

 

[rotorbreeze]

[mtls2005]

It's come up a few times here, with a street circuit proposed. Most recently 2013, for running in 2015.

 

Was shelved for a variety of reasons.

 

Vietnam came closer.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayJOxRbzdhY

 

[dogfish180]

"Certainly, the first Moto GP in Buriram was a massive success and the riders even voted it the best circuit that year."

 

Which riders??? All I heard from them was that it's like a Go Kart track! Who writes this BS???

[Spilornis]

Singapore IS the Asian Grand Prix. It's the one where networking and business are done.

The Malaysian GP never stood a chance once Singapore started up.

Would Hanoi have worked? Maybe if embraced by Chinese business.

[biggles45]

I am a big fan of F1, BUT the financial benefits to a city, compared to the outrageous costs, are very doubtful. Usually touted by folk who have a financial interest in hosting an event. The stats could almost be 'TAT sourced'

[actonion]

Looking at the state of the drivers  on any Thai road     I  would say TAT has already invested in Stock Car Racing...

 

Dont be giving these people  more crazy ideas  about racing

[MrJ2U]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

Some could also argue that Pattaya with its planned high-speed trains and family friendly attractions could also put in a bid. 

 

An argument the author would surely lose.

 

 

 

 

[superal]

2 hours ago, mrfill said:

The circuit has already been built. A grade 1 Hermann Tilke designed track at Buriram.

The problem is the habit of F1 to demand huge fees from the tracks as well as all the trackside advertising revenue. The fees can easily exceed $50m/year and it would require government funding. The previous attempt to get F1 to Thailand was in 2012 when Bernie Ecclestone reckoned it would be on the calendar 'by 2015'. A law was passed banning races in inner Bangkok and it all went quiet. Can't see this ever happening really.

            Buriram would be great but sadly no international airport or enough hotels to welcome the many fans .Logistically Bangkok would be the place and maybe a brand new circuit on the outskirts could be purpose built . Thailand and F1 would be a major attraction and BIG money maker  

[josephbloggs]

1 hour ago, dogfish180 said:

"Certainly, the first Moto GP in Buriram was a massive success and the riders even voted it the best circuit that year."

 

Which riders??? All I heard from them was that it's like a Go Kart track! Who writes this BS???

The actual riders, you know, the ones who raced in the GP.    But of course they all told you different.

https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2018/12/13/ptt-thailand-grand-prix-voted-best-of-2018/281178