Thailand Eyes MotoGP Contract Renewal and Potential F1 Race Host

[snoop1130]

Thailand’s Somkiat Chantra in the season opener race at Chang International Circuit | Photo via BoxzaRacing/Facebook

 

Thailand is gearing up for negotiations with Dorna Sports to extend its MotoGP contract for another five years while exploring the potential of hosting a Formula One (F1) race. This initiative aligns with the government's commitment to bolstering the nation's profile in the global motorsports arena.

 

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong confirmed the government's dedication to securing MotoGP's future in Thailand, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra backing the initiative. Sorawong shared these insights at Government House on March 11, expressing the nation's continual investment in both youth and professional sports events.

 

Over the past seven years, MotoGP has significantly benefited Thailand, and discussions with Dorna Sports, the event organizer, are anticipated to commence shortly. As part of the negotiations, Thailand aims to renew its contract with reduced licensing fees, while engaging private sector sponsors to lessen the state's financial burden. Given Thailand's history as a reliable host, Sorawong emphasized the importance of achieving favourable contract terms to optimize the event's economic and tourism benefits.

 

Sorawong also noted that the government sees potential in organizing both MotoGP and F1 races, rejecting the idea that they target separate markets. Highlighting Thai athletes' participation in both motorsports, he believes hosting both events would enhance Thailand’s standing in global sports.

 

 

The Chang International Circuit, Thailand’s only Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM)-certified track, will continue to host MotoGP races under the renewed contract. Sorawong dismissed any speculation of political involvement in Buriram’s MotoGP hosting, attributing success to local leadership and the substantial economic gains brought forth.

 

Negotiations with Dorna Sports are slated for the next one to two months, focusing on the event’s estimated economic impact, which contributes 5 to 6 billion baht per race to Thailand’s economy.

 

The government is resolute in keeping MotoGP in Thailand and is optimistic about the prospects of hosting an F1 race, thereby enriching the country's tourism and economic landscape. Motorsport fans can expect continued efforts to secure these prestigious events for Thailand's future, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-03-11

 

 

[Ralf001]

 Last week the headline was "Thailand's MotoGP Future in Limbo Amidst Government Review".

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1353414-thailands-motogp-future-in-limbo-amidst-government-review/#comment-19631712

[watchcat]

13 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

 Last week the headline was "Thailand's MotoGP Future in Limbo Amidst Government Review".

 

Another flip-fkop.

 

13 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

https://aseannow.com/topic/1353414-thailands-motogp-future-in-limbo-amidst-government-review/#comment-19631712

 

[hotchilli]

13 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

 Last week the headline was "Thailand's MotoGP Future in Limbo Amidst Government Review".

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1353414-thailands-motogp-future-in-limbo-amidst-government-review/#comment-19631712

Exactly... who to believe

[ronster]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

As part of the negotiations, Thailand aims to renew its contract with reduced licensing fees, while engaging private sector sponsors to lessen the state's financial burden

Who's fees ? The governments or dornas ?

The private sponsors already coughed up 300 million of the 500 total this year . So they basically want private groups to pay for it all while the government take all the credit .

[Mannekenpis]

3 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Exactly... who to believe

You support my casino bill, you get your GP. That's what last week's meeting was always about 

[Bluetongue]

Well Chidchob the owner of the track was seemingly quite convinced that the Government had rejected the proposed 5 year extension of the contract (normal length) based on the political affiliation with Bhumijai party. Now it appears they are laying the groundwork for rejection on the basis of the fee being non negotiable which it will be. Why would Dorna and Liberty Media lower the fee for such a phenomenally successful event, crowd something like 200k plus 10 or 20. Personally I think they should hang on to it for dear life because they’re a long way from an F1 deal.