Thailand to get it's own F1 Grand Prix?

[TBWG]

The pros and cons of a Thai Grand Prix

By joe saward

The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) says that it is considering a bid to host a Grand Prix. The agency, which is run by the government, is responsible for promoting, developing as well as regulating, coordinating and facilitating domestic and international events in Thailand. This is necessary as the country is still suffering from the after-effects of the military coup in 2006 which ousted then then Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. There has been regular violence since then as his supporters challenged the government led by Abhisit Vejjajiva. There was an election in July and although Thaksin lives in exile in Dubai to avoid being arrested, his sister Yinglat was elected Prime Minister. The country hopes that there will now be peace although there is no doubt that there is still bitterness between the two main parties.

The goal now is to rebuild the tourist business and attract worldwide attention and so Formula 1 is a logical step. The plan is to research the effects that F1 could have on the Thai economy and then decide on whether to bid. There is much competition for races in Asia with events in Malaysia, Singapore, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain. A demonstration run in Bangkok recently by Red Bull attracted huge crowds. The government is looking closely at Singapore’s experience, which has transformed the city’s reputation, even if the race itself is not so popular with the locals because of the disruption caused by the street closures. The Thais must decide whether it is worth building a circuit, or extending an existing facility or running a street race. Street races involve smaller initial investment but cost more in the longer term. The bureau may wish for a race in Bangkok, but it might be wiser to extend the 1.5-mile circuit near the seaside resort of Pattaya, which was built in 1985 and is named after Prince Birabongse Bhanutej Bhanubandh (known in Europe as “Prince Bira”) who raced Grand Prix cars with some success in the 1940s and 1950s. This is currently not suitable for Formula 1. There were plans as long ago as 1939 for a Grand Prix of Thailand, which was being planned by Prince Bira. Sadly that event never happened as World War II broke out a few months before it was due to happen.

The Thais have one major advantage over rival countries. The Red Bull company is 51 percent owned by Chaleo Yoovidhya (who owns 49 percent) and his son Chalerm (who owns two percent). Dietrich Mateschitz owns the remaining 49 percent, but runs the business, leaving the Thais to market their original energy drink Krating Daeng (on which Red Bull is based) in the Asian markets. Chaleo is now the richest person in Thailand, with a fortune estimated at $4 billion. Chalerm to become Thailand’s most celebrated winemaker, while also being the co-owner of Cavallino Motors, which sells Ferraris in Thailand. This is a joint venture with the Bhirombhakdi Family, which owns the Singha Beer company.

Money from a public-private partnership could thus be found… so long as politics do not get in the way.


TBWG

[nookiebear]

Another Dream!!

[Prakhonchai Nick]

Very much a dream I suspect unless Thaksin pays for it. Could be called the Thaksin circuit. But true to Thai form, even if it were built and up and running, some clowns would have forgotten to have the access roads built!

[TBWG]

Thailand    ~~~~ How it should be done 

Change coming in Singapore

September 10, 2011 by joesaward

The word on the street in Singapore is that the city is studying alternative venues for the Grand Prix, because the disruption caused in the downtown area has not gone down well with the locals. The plan is to incorporate the race into a new “Sports Hub”, which is being developed at Kallang, not far from the track, slightly further out of town. This would reduce the traffic disruption considerably while still allowing large crowds to be delivered by the MRT underground network, as there will be a new Stadium station built.

The Sports Hub is designed to draw international events to the world-class facilities and generate sports spectator tourism, while also encouraging Singaporeans to be a more sporting nation (and therefore to become fitter). The aim is for the facilities to be ready by 2014, including a new 55,000-seater National Stadium, with a retractable and air conditioning, an indoor Stadium with 12,000 seats, an Aquatic Centre, a multi-purpose indoor area, a commercial space for leisure, shopping and dining activities, plus a water sports centre, which will use the Kallang Basin. Plus a library, a museum and an exhibition centre.

The plan seems to be to run a track on the roads around the various stadiums. One presumes that this will continue to happen at night and that sections of the track will be by the river, so that the backdrop of downtown Singapore can still be used.

This is a view of what the new development will look like. You can see the Marina Bay facilities and the Casino with its distinctive roof garden in the distance on the left.


TBWG 

[TBWG]

Chaleo Yoovidhya

March 17, 2012 by Joe Saward

Chaleo Yoovidhya, the man who created Red Bull, has died at the age of 79. Born in the province of Phichit, in what was then called Siam, he was the son of poor Chinese immigrants who survived by raising ducks and trading fruits. He moved to Bangkok to help his brother, who had opened a drug store, and then moved on to become a drug salesman before setting up his own pharmaceutical factory – TC Pharmaceuticals – in 1962. He developed a drink called Krating Daeng (which translates as Red Bull), aiming to sell it to blue-collar shift workers and truck drivers to keep them awake when they were working. This was quite successful and in 1982 was discovered by an Austrian salesman called Dietrich Mateschitz, who was looking for a product to sell in Europe. Legend has it that Mateschitz tried the drink in the bar of the Mandarin Hotel in Hong Kong, while trying to find something to help him get over jetlag. Mateschitz met Chalerm Yoovidhya, Chaleo’s son, and they then negotiated a deal that saw the Austrian getting the global rights to sell Red Bull outside Asia. Mateschitz had 49 percent of the business, Chaleo a similar amount and Chalerm the remaining two percent. Although it took a long time to become established, Red Bull is now sold in 160 countries worldwide and enjoys annual sales of around $5 billion. Chalerm now runs the Asian operations of the company in addition to his own wine business, while Mateschitz’s marketing skills continue to expand the company elsewhere.

Chaleo married twice and had 11 children, five from his first wife and six from his second


TBWG



Watch this space re possible Thai GP.  ( The old boy is out the way now watch son blow some of the inheritance)

[Prakhonchai Nick]

I don't really see how Thailand could ever be granted a F1 Grand Prix.

The big bosses would need to establish a race date, well in advance, which when it came to it might clash with some innocuus local election, the death or cremation of a distant member of the royal family, a Buddhist holiday or one of any  number of reasons that Thailand deems it inappropriate to let the masses drink a beer. or go to a disco or nightclub.  Having brought tens of thousands over to Thailand for the event, what a disaster if everyone could not party over the 3 day weekend.

Until the government decides that everyone is not restricted by its own petty rules, an F1 event is not going to happen!

[gotlost]

Another Dream!!

More like a WET DREAM.

[TBWG]

   
A Thailand Grand Prix
by Joe Saward

There are probably too many Formula 1 races in Asia at the moment, but one country that is probably keen in Thailand, where Red Bull originated and where there seems to be a certain amount of national pride about the success of the Red Bull Racing team in recent years. There has been talk of a street race in Bangkok and there is no doubt that the government would welcome moves to restore the tourist industry which was damaged by the military coup in 2006, and the subsequent political instabity and violence. The situation changed in July last year when an election brought Yinglat Shinawatra to power. She is the country's first female Prime Minister and is the sister of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was overthrown in the coup. he was later found guilty of various corruption charges and has been living in exile in recent years. The new government is now looking at whether to accept a recommendation that the sentence against Thaksin be dropped. There are fears that his return to Thailand could trigger new clashes between his supporters and those of the conservative royalist elite and the military. The army says that it will not intervene again as long as the new government keeps on the straight and narrow. More than 100 politicians who were banned from office five years ago but there are also moves to have them allowed back.

There is a small permanent circuit in the seaside town of Pattaya, which was built in 1985. This is named after Prince Bira, a member of the Thai royal family, who raced Grand Prix cars with great success in the 1930s and 1950s.

Red Bull would likely help to pay for such an event although the drink on offer in Thailand is very different to the international one but more than 100,000 people turned out recently when Mark Webber drove a Red Bull-Renault on Bangkok's Rajdamnoen Avenue, as part of the celebrations for HM the King's 84th birthday. The event was presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn. Red Bull and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration jointly organised the event.

It should also be noted that Red Bull is funding the career of a young Anglo-Thai rising called Alexander Albon. The 16-year-old is making a big step up this year moving to Formula Renault, after an impressive career in karts, which included winning the KF3 World Championship and battling Nick de Vries for last year's KF1 title, finishing runner-up in his debut year against the more experienced de Vries. Albon will be driving for Epic Racing in the Eurocup and Alps championships.

The problem will a Thai GP is that the F1 calendar is already oversubscribed and there is speculation that there might start to be alternation between some of the Asia venues.


TBWG

[TBWG]

 

 Thailand could host a F1 grand prix in two to three years after reportedly receiving tentative backing from Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz.

"We are in talks," Mateschitz told the Bangkok Post. "Thailand could host a Formula One race in the next two to three years."

The co-founder of Red Bull, a Thai-Austrian joint venture, said Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone also supported the idea.

"Ecclestone agrees with the idea," Mateschitz was quoted as saying. "We may sign an agreement soon."

Mateschitz was in Bangkok last weekend to attend the funeral of Chaleo Yoovidhya, the Thai entrepreneur who launched the Red Bull energy drink in Thailand and went on to set up a joint venture with Mateschitz in 1987 to make the product in Austria for the European market.


TBWG

[TBWG]

    With this year's Race of Champions set to take place in Bangkok, Thailand's Minister of Tourism says he's hopes Formula One will follow.

Earlier this week it was announced that Bangkok's Rajamangala Stadium would become only the second venue outside of Europe to host the Race of Championship.

The Race is an annual event involving the best drivers from the world of motorsport including Formula One.

However, Thailand's Minister of Tourism and Sports Chumphol Silpa-archa is hoping that the Race of Champions is just the first step.

"This race will be a perfect opportunity for Thais to see some of the world's greatest drivers and represents another step by the government in its efforts to promote racing and automotive sports in the Kingdom," Silpa-archa told the RoC website.

"We aim to bring Formula One to Thailand as well."

Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, Khun Kanokphand Chulakasem added: "The Race Of Champions has a prestigious place on the racing calendar and we are delighted to have won the right to play host in 2012.

"We are committed to making this race one of the best races ever and look forward to welcoming driving legends and fans from around the world to Thailand."


TBWG

[gotlost]

    With this year's Race of Champions set to take place in Bangkok, Thailand's Minister of Tourism says he's hopes Formula One will follow.

Earlier this week it was announced that Bangkok's Rajamangala Stadium would become only the second venue outside of Europe to host the Race of Championship.

The Race is an annual event involving the best drivers from the world of motorsport including Formula One.

However, Thailand's Minister of Tourism and Sports Chumphol Silpa-archa is hoping that the Race of Champions is just the first step.

"This race will be a perfect opportunity for Thais to see some of the world's greatest drivers and represents another step by the government in its efforts to promote racing and automotive sports in the Kingdom," Silpa-archa told the RoC website.

"We aim to bring Formula One to Thailand as well."

Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, Khun Kanokphand Chulakasem added: "The Race Of Champions has a prestigious place on the racing calendar and we are delighted to have won the right to play host in 2012.

"We are committed to making this race one of the best races ever and look forward to welcoming driving legends and fans from around the world to Thailand."


TBWG

So in the mean time as people keep dreaming: tomorrow is one of the years greatest motor sports day ever F! Grand Prix of Monaco and The Indy 500. Both live on Turd vision StarSports Chanel 109

[TBWG]

Formula 1 GP in 2014?
By Siam Voices Jun 22, 2012 10:30AM UTC



By Saksith Saiyasombut

In March we reported about the early moves for a potential Formula 1 race in Thailand, and the costs and the chances. To recap: The Ministry of Tourism and Sports announced it is campaigning for a Formula 1 Grand Prix of Thailand in 2014, with the backing of corporate heavyweights Red Bull and Singha Beer.

Chalerm Yoovidhya – who is inheriting Krating Daeng (the original Red Bull) from his recently deceased father Chaleo - is the co-owner of the championship-winning Red Bull Racing team, the other being Austrian Dietrich Mateschitz who made Red Bull (the fizzy one) a world-wide brand. Mateschitz and Chaleo held 49 per cent each in shares, with Chalerm previously holding 2 per cent acting the wedge between them. Now that Chalerm seems most likely gets his father’s shares, it is likely that Chalerm may try to increase his influence over the Red Bull operations. Both Chalerm and the Singha Beer corporation are well-connected to the decision makers in Thailand, most notably to the opposition Democrat Party.

Now it seems that plans for a potential Formula 1 race have been given a minor boost, if the words by those involved are anything to go by:

    “Our discussions with (Formula One CEO) Bernie Ecclestone have gone smoothly. We expect to get rights to host a grand prix from 2014 onwards. The race might be held at night to accommodate viewers in Europe and help earn more in sponsorship.

    “Chalerm Yoovidhya, Red Bull team owner, is helping negotiate the hosting fee, which is likely to be about Bt1.2 billion [$37m], compared to the Bt2 billion [$62m] China paid.

    “The cost of building a new F1 venue to accommodate 100,000 spectators will be about Bt100 million [$3.1m]. We need to finalise the budget before we propose it to the cabinet. We expect the overall budget for hosting an F1 race to be around Bt5 billion [$157m],” said Kanokphand [Chulakasem, Sports Authority of Thailand governor].

    “Vettel, Schumacher in Thai grand prix preview“, The Nation, June 12, 2012

So, there are a few interesting aspects here. First off, this deal is not done yet. Nevertheless, the organizers have already come up with a plans and most off all a budget – which seem to vastly differ to what has been said before:

    Ministry of Tourism and Sports spokesperson, Watchara Kannikar (…) added: “Initially, the budget was Bt10 billion [$314m]. However, it is possible that the cost will triple.”

    “Chumpol catches F1 fever“, TTR Weekly, March 14, 2012

How they have miraculously halved the initial budget for the Grand Prix is beyond me – even with the heavy financial backing of Red Bull, Singha and also maybe state-owned oil company PTT.

Second, there’s still no word about the venue of the race. The ultimate dream for many involved would be a street circuit in the middle of Bangkok on Rajdamnoen Avenue, which saw a demo run by a Red Bull F1 car back in 2010 - although this would be logistical nightmare, as it would probably lock down the area for weeks before, during and after the event. And financially, to compare with the other two most recently added temporary street circuits: The European Grand Prix in the port of Valencia is said to cost €21m or $26m per year and the night race in Singapore reportedly costs $120m.

Another possibility would be to either overhaul the only existing racing circuit in Thailand (Bira Circuit near Pattaya) certified by the world motorsports governing body FIA up to international standards or to build an entirely new one. No word on where this one would be built was uttered either. And again to give some financial benchmarks of the most recently added events: the Korean International Circuit was built in 2010 for reportedly $270m ($77m for track itself), last year saw the construction of the Buddh International Circuit in India including a whole sports complex for $820m and currently the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas is being built with investors and the state chipping in a total of $500m for the return of the United States Grand Prix later this year.

And as mentioned before, just because there were good talks, doesn’t mean that there will be a race! Furthermore, the silly season of the F1 circuits for the next few years needs to be taken into account: many current races are either on the edge or were already taken off the schedule for next year. Some other circuits are already forced to alternate with another event in order to save costs, while other events are coming, such as a street race in New Jersey next year and yet another new circuit in Russia for 2014, while there are rumors of Argentina making a return among others. What could help Thailand to get a spot on the F1 calendar is the rumor that the already extensive schedule might be increased from 20 to 23 races in 2013.

Despite all the uncertainty as to whether or not a Thai Grand Prix will take place, the organizers have already secured another motorsports event to warm up the Thais for potential F1 race: The Race of Champions, an invitational exhibition tournament at the end of the year where race champions (and other all-stars) from different disciplines and championships race head-to-head in identical cars, will be held this year in Bangkok‘s Rajamangala Stadium. This is the second time the event has come to Asia after 2009′s event took place in Beijing, which bizarrely took place in the middle of the week. Hopefully, this year will be better attended at a viewer-friendlier time of the week and maybe it could spark a sizable interest among Thais – and then the country might actually have its first ever Formula 1 Grand Prix after all, especially since the one planned in 1939 did not take place.

Saksith Saiyasombut is a Thai blogger and journalist currently based in Hamburg, Germany. He can be followed on Twitter @Saksith and also on his public Facebook page.


TBWG

[TBWG]

They have just had a young drivers F1 test day at Silverstone which has seen the debut of Rio Haryanto and Ma Qing Hua, Indonesian and Chinese respectively. At the moment there are Japanese and Indian drivers on the grid and in the past couple of years we have had a Malaysian driver as well.

Bearing in mind there have been rumors of Thailand harbouring aspirations for an F1 GP as far as I am aware there are no Thais competing internationally in any of the feeder classes.  Unless of course you know better?

However, I do seem to recall that there is a driver doing well in one of the international single seater series who has mixed Thai/farang parentage, but be bu**ered if I can recall any more details! Do you know?


TBWG 

[John the Traveller]

Hi TBWG,

Alexander Albon is your young man.Thai/UK parents but he is marketed by Red Bull as Thai. Currently racing in Formula Renault 2.0 sponsored by Red Bull.  He is 16 years old and was European KF 3 Champion in 2010. So the kid can handle a steering wheel. 
Cheers,
JT

[TBWG]

Thanks JT


Been doing a bit of research on Young Alex  ~~~~

In his own words:

Name: Alexander Albon
Age: 15
2012 series: Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup, Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS

Racing CV:
2007 Honda Cadet (British) Super 1 Champion
Comer Cadet (British) Super 1 runner-up

2008
British Junior (KF3) Championship – Third
GP Kartmaster – winner

2009
British Junior (KF3) Champion
GP Kartmaster – winner
WSK Euro series – Fifth

2010
European Junior (KF3) Champion
World Cup Junior (KF3) Champion
WSK Euro series (KF3) runner-up

2011
CIK-FIA Senior World Championship ( KF1) – runner-up
WSK Euro series (KF1) – runner-up

Proudest racing achievement to date:
At the World Cup in Braga in 2010 where I qualified pole and won all the heats and won the pre-final and then won the final and at my first win in the senior (KF1) category – at La Conca

Goals for the season ahead:
2012 will be my first season in a Formula car and so it would be great if I could be the best rookie and if possible (which will be very hard indeed) - finish on the podium

What do you want to be doing five years from now?
Formula One

Who do you most admire?
Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso – but also Michael Schumacher when I was growing up. I’m also a big fan of Valentino Rossi (in fact I used to have ‘The Doctor’ and ‘46’ all over my helmet and overalls when I was younger.

To relax I like to…
Spend time with my family, play Xbox with my little brother and watch movies.

If I wasn’t a racing driver I’d be…
I don't know. All I ever want to do in my life is to be a driver.

How can the Red Bull Junior Team programme help your career?
To guide me to achieve my ultimate goal which is becoming an F1 driver and most importantly, to give me the financial backing to be able to race and build my career towards F1. Without Red Bull Junior Programme, I certainly can NEVER do this!!


Seems a sensible kid


TBWG