Rumblings Over F1 Race In Bangkok

[newermonkey]

There is a perfectly good race track near Pattaya "Bira" that desperately need renovation, Pattaya can handle the crowds and the track is out in the country side "ideal candidate"

There is a big ugly golf course right next door that could be built on to extend the facilities at Bira.

Prince Bira was a world class talented racing driver and it would be very good for Thailand to revive interest in motor racing. BUT DO IT IN THE RIGHT PLACE, Bangkok is a horrible city and is totally UN-suted for this.

[jaiyen]

Did you notice that they want to run the race at NIGHT over a 6 Kilometre circuit. Thats gonna be a hell of a lot of black lighting cables running across the track and looped along the safety barriers (if they have any ) and how many fluoro lights will they need ?? A good question for Crossy !

[Dap]

Usual Thai shortsightedness, there's big money to be made from F1, does anything else matter ?

Big money to be made? By whom? Certainly not Thailand, the government or BMA. Most Formula 1 events run a heavily deficit and can only survive with government subsidy. The only one who makes money is Bernie Ecclestone.

TIT! "They" will most defintely figure a way to make money or it simply won't happen.

No money no event.

Edited May 27, 2013 by Dap

[Baerboxer]

I see 3G all over again. As soon as an announcement is made everyone not directly paid off involved will be straight down to the courthouse and file for it to be stopped, moved, not moved, guaranteed Som Tam concession stand etc etc.

Was out having a beer the other night and watching F1 on the TV. The girls were all excited that F1 is coming to Thailand in 2014, no way I said maybe Formula E, maybe F1 in 2015. No problem as long as lots of rich drivers, owners or tourists come to Soi Nana. Good thing I did not have a mouthful of beer as I started laughing so hard. I had to explain that for the teams it is a job and they probably do no go in for bar socialising before racing. Made my night though.

Cheers

You must be joking? Even in Abu Dhabi the hotels were all extra packed with xxxxxx at grand prix time. It seems somehow much more open these days, or maybe I'm just getting old!

This is an incredible choice of venue. Presumably they want a night street course to compete with Singapore? Madness. Never happen next year or 2015.

Would be great to have a Thailand GP - but needs much more thinking through. This looks like it's being put forward as a venue for numerous "wrong" reasons.

Edited May 27, 2013 by metisdead
Inappropriate language.

[lomatopo]

While there are plenty of street courses: Singapore, Monaco, Albert Park, Montreal and have been many, many others in the past, the lights and noise may not have been considered previously, especially so close to Siriraj Hospital. Considering fireworks displays have been curtailed at Sanam Luang in recent years I can't imagine it would be acceptable, appropriate or respectful to have an F1 race in the city?

[whybother]

While there are plenty of street courses: Singapore, Monaco, Albert Park, Montreal and have been many, many others in the past, the lights and noise may not have been considered previously, especially so close to Siriraj Hospital. Considering fireworks displays have been curtailed at Sanam Luang in recent years I can't imagine it would be acceptable, appropriate or respectful to have an F1 race in the city?

The GP will probably not be held at Albert Park (Melbourne) for much longer, because they won't have it at night.

[Briandajew]

You can just imagine it if it goes ahead, there will be quoitio stalls all over the place, motorbikes coming down the wrong way, broken down pick ups in the pits, mini vans going anywhere they like, kids walking up trying to sell those flower chains and rice cakes to the drivers on the starting grid - The Whacky Races springs to mind.

[wealth]

they should use it around Don Muang area, including parts of the airport.

It is kind of displaced at the Rattanakonsin area.

[A Member]

Usual Thai shortsightedness, there's big money to be made from F1, does anything else matter ?

Big money to be made? By whom? Certainly not Thailand, the government or BMA. Most Formula 1 events run a heavily deficit and can only survive with government subsidy. The only one who makes money is Bernie Ecclestone.

Hotels, restaurants, airlines, taxis, tourist traps etc. providing the usual F1 followers arrive

[Jim walker]

I would love F1 to happen in BKK but it never will not in a million years never mind two years.

[OZEMADE]

Of course the fact that thousands of cars, trucks and busses go past these said places daily leaving behind diesel smoke and fumes all over these shrines and sacred places, the loud noise from the exhausts of the trucks and busses over the last 50 or so years has not effected anything. So why winge about a few days of racing. Obviously the palms have not been greased enough to date. I know of hundreds of shrines and artifacts around this country that lay in in a state of disrepair and nothing is done about it. There would not be one person on this forum that could not point to a shrine or temple that could do with some work on it.

[bluemoonpattaya]

I would love to see F1 come to Bangkok, could you imagine the race on the same weekend as Songram...

[VBF]

How would they think of selling tickets to this? The Mark Webber shindig was free. How to recoup the investment? There are no worthy hotels in the area and logistics would be a nightmare. Think, Thailand, think!

You are right but when it comes to thinking a situation through you are asking Thais to change the habit of a lifetime.

Well, let's be honest, some essential equipment is missing, after all

Edited May 27, 2013 by VBF

[Neilly]

To me it sounds like someone's nose is been put out of joint...couple of brown envelopes and it'll all be sorted

[ratcatcher]

Of course the fact that thousands of cars, trucks and busses go past these said places daily leaving behind diesel smoke and fumes all over these shrines and sacred places, the loud noise from the exhausts of the trucks and busses over the last 50 or so years has not effected anything. So why winge about a few days of racing. Obviously the palms have not been greased enough to date. I know of hundreds of shrines and artifacts around this country that lay in in a state of disrepair and nothing is done about it. There would not be one person on this forum that could not point to a shrine or temple that could do with some work on it.

The fact that the vehicles you mention are operating in the vicinity of these said places is part of the daily life and fabric of Bangkok. People coming and going to work, deliveries being made, tourists and others travelling around in taxis.

The fact that they want to run it round the Grand Palace,Wat Po etc is a bit like some twit suggesting to Uncle Bernie that a London Grand Prix be run around Buckingham Palace, Whitehall and Westminster Abbey. It wouldn't even get a second look.

This Thai plan will, hopefully,meet with the same resistance and be told, "If you want F1 in Thailand, build a circuit or improve the one you have (Bira).

Maybe the billionaires of Chang, Singha and Kraiting Daeng can raise some cash?

Edited May 27, 2013 by ratcatcher

[Mosha]

Can you imagine the bribes to set up a track side som tam stall?

[bigbamboo]

Can you imagine the bribes to set up a track side som tam stall?

Or the insurance premiums if Romain Grosjean is still driving an F1 car by then.

[Mosha]

Of course the fact that thousands of cars, trucks and busses go past these said places daily leaving behind diesel smoke and fumes all over these shrines and sacred places, the loud noise from the exhausts of the trucks and busses over the last 50 or so years has not effected anything. So why winge about a few days of racing. Obviously the palms have not been greased enough to date. I know of hundreds of shrines and artifacts around this country that lay in in a state of disrepair and nothing is done about it. There would not be one person on this forum that could not point to a shrine or temple that could do with some work on it.

The fact that the vehicles you mention are operating in the vicinity of these said places is part of the daily life and fabric of Bangkok. People coming and going to work, deliveries being made, tourists and others travelling around in taxis.

The fact that they want to run it round the Grand Palace,Wat Po etc is a bit like some twit suggesting to Uncle Bernie that a London Grand Prix be run around Buckingham Palace, Whitehall and Westminster Abbey. It wouldn't even get a second look.

This Thai plan will, hopefully,meet with the same resistance and be told, "If you want F1 in Thailand, build a circuit or improve the one you have (Bira). bira.jpg

Maybe the billionaires of Chang, Singha and Kraiting Daeng can raise some cash?

Actually a bit back was a suggestion for London and the finishing line near the Palace

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-2166229/F1-Bernie-Ecclestone-unveils-plan-100m-London-race-just-dream.html

[ratcatcher]

Of course the fact that thousands of cars, trucks and busses go past these said places daily leaving behind diesel smoke and fumes all over these shrines and sacred places, the loud noise from the exhausts of the trucks and busses over the last 50 or so years has not effected anything. So why winge about a few days of racing. Obviously the palms have not been greased enough to date. I know of hundreds of shrines and artifacts around this country that lay in in a state of disrepair and nothing is done about it. There would not be one person on this forum that could not point to a shrine or temple that could do with some work on it.

The fact that the vehicles you mention are operating in the vicinity of these said places is part of the daily life and fabric of Bangkok. People coming and going to work, deliveries being made, tourists and others travelling around in taxis.

The fact that they want to run it round the Grand Palace,Wat Po etc is a bit like some twit suggesting to Uncle Bernie that a London Grand Prix be run around Buckingham Palace, Whitehall and Westminster Abbey. It wouldn't even get a second look.

This Thai plan will, hopefully,meet with the same resistance and be told, "If you want F1 in Thailand, build a circuit or improve the one you have (Bira). bira.jpg

Maybe the billionaires of Chang, Singha and Kraiting Daeng can raise some cash?

Actually a bit back was a suggestion for London and the finishing line near the Palace

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-2166229/F1-Bernie-Ecclestone-unveils-plan-100m-London-race-just-dream.html

We are not amused!

[Mosha]

Of course the fact that thousands of cars, trucks and busses go past these said places daily leaving behind diesel smoke and fumes all over these shrines and sacred places, the loud noise from the exhausts of the trucks and busses over the last 50 or so years has not effected anything. So why winge about a few days of racing. Obviously the palms have not been greased enough to date. I know of hundreds of shrines and artifacts around this country that lay in in a state of disrepair and nothing is done about it. There would not be one person on this forum that could not point to a shrine or temple that could do with some work on it.

The fact that the vehicles you mention are operating in the vicinity of these said places is part of the daily life and fabric of Bangkok. People coming and going to work, deliveries being made, tourists and others travelling around in taxis.

The fact that they want to run it round the Grand Palace,Wat Po etc is a bit like some twit suggesting to Uncle Bernie that a London Grand Prix be run around Buckingham Palace, Whitehall and Westminster Abbey. It wouldn't even get a second look.

This Thai plan will, hopefully,meet with the same resistance and be told, "If you want F1 in Thailand, build a circuit or improve the one you have (Bira). bira.jpg

Maybe the billionaires of Chang, Singha and Kraiting Daeng can raise some cash?

Actually a bit back was a suggestion for London and the finishing line near the Palace

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-2166229/F1-Bernie-Ecclestone-unveils-plan-100m-London-race-just-dream.html

We are not amused!

My thoughts exactly Ma'am would not appreciate the balcony being used as the podium

[dunque]

There is a perfectly good race track near Pattaya "Bira" that desperately need renovation, Pattaya can handle the crowds and the track is out in the country side "ideal candidate"

There is a big ugly golf course right next door that could be built on to extend the facilities at Bira.

Prince Bira was a world class talented racing driver and it would be very good for Thailand to revive interest in motor racing. BUT DO IT IN THE RIGHT PLACE, Bangkok is a horrible city and is totally UN-suted for this.

I would have thought that if it was a racetrack Bernie was interested in he could go to any number of gulf states. The USP of a street circuit is the existing backdrop and BKK is as good as any other city in th regard.

[Gerald14]

I would have thought that some of the toll-ways would be better suited than the old city. Only problem is that these are owned by several private companies which would all have to agree and get a chunk of the cash

[retell]

i would not be suprised that after 3 years of talking bribing and nothing beeing done they move this whole operation to Myanmar or Laos or Cambodia

[sonar6ca]

The track will be "finished" at the same time as the fast train from Chiangmai to bangkok.

[lonelyrw]

How are Bangkok F1GP planning going on for 2015? If not possibly to arrange, better go for Buriram International Circuit to be ready by than.

[MaxLee]

How are Bangkok F1GP planning going on for 2015? If not possibly to arrange, better go for Buriram International Circuit to be ready by than.

By the time Bangkok is going to be flooded already

[ratcatcher]

Thailand will have eradicated corruption before Gollum Ecclestone agrees to F1 in Bangkok or environs.

[Loptr]

With 22 races on the provisional 2014 calendar, I would not bet on any more than that as the teams are already complaining.

[johna]

You can definitely hold this race in my neighbourhood, on my soi, I can put up with a little noise if I get a decent road out of it.