F1: Thailand Set To Host Grand Prix In 2014

Formula 1

F1: Thailand Set To Host Grand Prix In 2014

Thailand has agreed in principle with Bernie Ecclestone to host a GP in 2014....

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted September 27, 2012 Balen (BEL)

Bernie Ecclestone met with the governor of Thailand's Sports Authority in Singapore. (Photo: Getty Images)

Thailand could be to host a Grand Prix as early as 2014, according to the governor of the country’s Sports Authority.

The Bangkok Post reports that Kanokphand Chulakasem, who met with Bernie Ecclestone in Singapore, says that a deal was agreed in principle.

“It will be a city race like that in Singapore and Monaco,” he said. “It will be a night race like the Singapore Grand Prix.”

However, he also conceded that details such as the fee have yet to be determined, which suggests that the announcement is somewhat premature.

Inevitably, much of the impetus for a F1 event in the country comes from Thai-owned Red Bull and its associated beer brand, Singha. Two years ago, Mark Webber did a street demonstration on a course laid out on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, in the vicinity of the proposed track.

The country is already hosting this year’s Race of Champions event in December, with the likes of Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel in attendance.

Thailand’s major claim to racing fame is, of course, Prince Birabongse Bhanudej Bhanubandh of Siam, better known as B Bira. He competed in Europe with considerable success with ERAs before WW2, and later started 19 World Championship races between 1950 and 1954 in Maserati, Connaught and Gordini chassis.

Adam Cooper notched up his 27th season as a racing journalist in 2011. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.