State-of-the-art track ideal for world-class event

By LERPONG AMSA-NGIAM 
THE SUNDAY NATION

 

 

BURIRAM UNITED International Circuit is designed by German racing-circuit architect Hermann Tilke. The 4.5km track was built in 2013 with a huge Bt2-billion budget to serve as a major racing venue.

 

It is by far the Kingdom’s top racing venue and meets the elite standards of the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) used in Formula One and MotoGP series. 

 

The circuit features state-of-the-art facilities such as the 50,000-seat grandstand that overlooks the entire circuit.

 

Without doubt, when Thailand wants to host its first ever MotoGP race, BRIC, as it is known (formerly known as the Chang International Circuit) will be the first venue that comes to mind.

 

The circuit was masterminded by local politician and former cabinet minister Newin Chidchob, and used as the venue for a Japanese Super GT series in October 2014, which drew some 130,000 spectators.

 

It has been a busy spot for motor racing events ever since, namely the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, Thailand Super Series, GT Asia Series, Super GT, World SuperSport and a recent World Super Bike event.

 

Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) governor Sakol Wannapong said in an earlier interview that the BRIC venue would facilitate the organisation of a MotoGP or the FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix, which is the premier motorcycle road racing class.

 

“As we already have a circuit of the FIM standard, we don’t have to invest a huge amount of money to construct a new stadium. Besides, Buri Ram has been used for several international events, which means it’s a perfect choice for MotoGP,” Sakol said.

 

Previously, SAT failed in an effort to host a Formula One race in Thailand, which went against public opinion. But Sakol felt MotoGP was more suitable, as more Thais travel by motorcycle, while a Formula One event would require a huge budget for a new stadium.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30310293

 

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-03-26

7 hours ago, rooster59 said:

But Sakol felt MotoGP was more suitable, as more Thais travel by motorcycle

 ...they also travel by sandals...