Buriram Expats
Buriram Province - General Category => Sports, Hobbies & Activities in Buriram => Topic started by: TBWG on September 08, 2011, 08:33:51 PM
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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 sawadi burirampea burirampea burirampea
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Another Dream!!
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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!
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Thailand exclaim ~~~~ How it should be done smilenod
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 sawadi burirampea burirampea burirampea
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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 buriram_united sawadi
Watch this space re possible Thai GP. ( The old boy is out the way now watch son blow some of the inheritance)
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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!
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Another Dream!!
More like a WET DREAM. loco
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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 buriram_united sawadi
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icon_latest whistle
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 buriram_united sawadi
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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 buriram_united sawadi
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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 buriram_united sawadi
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
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Formula 1 GP in 2014? moneysmile
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 buriram_united sawadi
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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 buriram_united sawadi
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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. bravo1
Cheers,
JT
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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 buriram_united sawadi
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Thailand moves closer to Formula 1 grand prix deal
By Jonathan Noble Thursday, September 27th 2012,
Thailand has moved a step closer hosting its first Formula 1 race after agreeing a deal in principle for a 2014 event.
After speculation earlier this year that the country was serious at bidding for an F1 race, a senior government official has revealed that he and representatives from Red Bull moved forward with their plans after meeting F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone in Singapore.
Kanokphand Chulakasem, governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), said that the provisional plan agreed with Ecclestone was for a night race to be held in Bangkok as early as 2014.
"It will be a city race like in Singapore and Monaco. It will be a night race like the Singapore Grand Prix," he was quoted as saying by the Bangkok Post.
The discussions still have some way to go before becoming official, with Chulakasem stating that a race fee had yet to be agreed.
The Thai government has promised to fund 60 per cent of the total cost of the race, however, with the rest coming from local sponsors like Red Bull and Singha.
Red Bull driver Mark Webber attracted over 100,000 people during a street demo on the streets of Thailand in 2010.
TBWG buriram_united sawadi
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Thailand looks for a Grand Prix
by Joe Saward
It seems that Thailand is bidding for a Grand Prix, at least according to newspapers in that country. There have been stories of a Thai Grand Prix for several years, because of the connection between Thailand and Red Bull, the original drink company being based there, but up to now there has only been speculation. I did hear a couple of months ago that Thailand should be taken seriously as a candidate and that the plan was for a street race in Thailand. The newspaper reports suggest that the event will be held at night, just as happens in Singapore. But, as we all know in F1, the show is not over until the fat lady sings and so it is probably not very wise for the locals to be jabbering to the media before a deal is done. The plan is for a race in 2014 but the calendar for that year is fairly business already, although some of the projects mentioned are not necessarily going to happen. This all helps Ecclestone to keep the price of the sport going up. The teams are saying that 20 races is enough and more and more countries seem to be interested and so the logical conclusion is that F1 will go to the highest bidder, or at least the bidder that offers the most in a place that is strategically interesting for Formula 1.
At the moment there are new races being discussed in France, Mexico, the United States, Turkey, Russia and Thailand. There has been talk of others. The problem is that they cannot all be fitted on the calendar. Ecclestone himself is talking down New Jersey, although this is probably in order to get money that has been promised on the table. It would not be a wise idea to dump the New York event for the sake of a few million dollars - and Ecclestone knows that - but he has to keep up appearances. France is largely dependent on money and the government (inevitably) is not helping. This means that if there is to be a French event, there will have to be guarantees from regional governments, as Mr E's lawyers like this kind of thing before handing out racing, so they know that they will be guaranteed their cash. There are doubts about some of the current races in the long term, notably Korea, Germany and Belgium.
TBWG buriram_united sawadi
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The mind boggles
F1 cars weaving to avoid the occasional Somchai on his motorsai nipping up the circuit the wrong way
Somtan, Noodle and Fried Chicken stalls at every corner spilling on to the circuit
Ferrari swerving to avoid haphazardly parked yellow and green taxis
Williams baulked by a couple of Tuk Tuks crossing at right angles
Pot holes every 100 yards
Track marshalls blowing whistles frantically
Garland and Peanut sellers wandering around the pits
Lottery ticket sellers strolling up and down the starting grid trying to interest Michael Schumaker with his lucky number
The BIB stopping Jensen Button for staying in the outside lane - pay 200 Baht or must go Police Station
And the Safety Car being deployed at least twice during the race to allow the motorcade of some General or other to pass through
It'll be a laugh a minute
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The mind boggles
F1 cars weaving to avoid the occasional Somchai on his motorsai nipping up the circuit the wrong way
Somtan, Noodle and Fried Chicken stalls at every corner spilling on to the circuit
Ferrari swerving to avoid haphazardly parked yellow and green taxis
Williams baulked by a couple of Tuk Tuks crossing at right angles
Pot holes every 100 yards
Track marshalls blowing whistles frantically
Garland and Peanut sellers wandering around the pits
Lottery ticket sellers strolling up and down the starting grid trying to interest Michael Schumaker with his lucky number
The BIB stopping Jensen Button for staying in the outside lane - pay 200 Baht or must go Police Station
And the Safety Car being deployed at least twice during the race to allow the motorcade of some General or other to pass through
It'll be a laugh a minute
DJ
You forgot something! ~~~~ no mention of the mass influx of young ladies from Pattaya! buttslap thumbup
TBWG
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To keep it political correct....
(http://www.slotcarsillustrated.com/misterconey_132_sets/LIONEL_SLOT_CAR_RACING_SET_16110_SKILL_TILT_YELLOW_COOPER_RED_BRM.JPG)
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A lot of talk in Thailand
by Joe Saward
Bernie Ecclestone likes race promoters who do not talk a lot and deliver deals – before they go public. slapfight Thus he cannot be overly impressed with the Thailand’s government’s sports authority, which has been putting out stories for some weeks that it will be hosting a Formula 1 race in Bangkok in 2014. If a contract has been signed, numbers agreed and guaranteed by the government then it is a good moment to make a noise, but Kanokphand Chulakasem, the man in charge of the Sports Authority, admits that the negotiations are not yet completed and the project has not been signed off by the Thai government.
He says that he will sign a deal when he gets the nod from the government, but adds that the government will be paying only 60 percent of the costs; the rest being paid by private enterprise (read Red Bull and friends). He says that the deal will not cost more than $39.2 million per year. It would be a surprise if the Formula One group would be willingt to accept such a deal. One can understand that the total may have dropped from the high-spending days in the early 2000s, when deals up to $50 million a year were agreed. All the F1 contracts are believed to include a 10 percent increase per year, which means that a $40 million a year race fee with a normal 10 percent annual hike means that over a seven-year contract a promoter must find around $380 million, without including the money needed to either build a track or assemble and disassemble a street circuit each year. This will add around $200 million to the bill.
Thus the government must be willing to guarantee funds of around $600 million if a deal is to go ahead. If private partners are going to kick in 40 percent that is fine, but the guarantee is likely to be at government level only. While this is a great deal of money, an event does make sense for Thailand where the country is trying to build on recent growth in the tourism sector. Thailand underwent a messy coup d’état in 2006 and political disruption followed on and off until the election in 2011 when the Pheu Thai Party won a landslide victory over the Democrat Party. There have since been disastrous floods with widespread damage that has hurt the economy.
Despite all the troubles, the country’s tourism figures have moved upwards, rising from 10 million in 2003, to 14.6 million in 2006. They then stabilised after the coup, but in 2010 the number leapt to 16 million, jumping to 19 million last year. This year the Tourism Authority of Thailand has set a target of 22.22 million for 2013, hoping to latch on to the developing middle classes in Asia, at a time when European demand has weakened because of the Euro Crisis.
The Thais are also talking about a race in November, which makes little sense given that the World Championship showdowns attract the biggest TV audiences when they take place in the Americas, the time difference meaning that the races are beamed into Europe – the biggest F1 TV market – at prime time.
TBWG buriram_united sawadi
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icon_latest Bernie Ecclestone has revealed that a grand prix in Thailand is likely to be added to the Formula One calendar in 2015.
Kanokphand Chulakasem, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, said in October that he was working with F1 organisers to bring a race to the country and it appears that he has been successful.
"They say (it will be held in) 2014 and I say 2015. It is serious and it is good," Ecclestone is quoted as saying by the Wall Street Journal.
It has been reported that 60 percent of the annual fee will be covered by the Thailand government with drinks companies Red Bull and Singha contributing the remainder.
New Jersey and Russia are already set to be added to schedule in 2014 and should Thailand come on board, further pressure will be placed on current circuits to keep their places if the cap of 20 races is to be adhered to.
TBWG buriram_united sawadi
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April fool come early for Bernie ho ho ho
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A night race in BKK...................What a load of old bollocks
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Bit closer than Bangkok
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/332463/newin-to-build-f1-racetrack
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Can't see it working. He can't even fill up the football stadium partly because of the price of the tickets. What will the price of a F1 ticket be?
I also think they will need a Thai driver in F1 first. After all, most people like to cheer the home team.
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F1 Comes to Buriram please stop it's killing me. drivinggear hahaha hahaha crazydance
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Can't see it working. He can't even fill up the football stadium partly because of the price of the tickets. What will the price of a F1 ticket be?
I also think they will need a Thai driver in F1 first. After all, most people like to cheer the home team.
They need a Thai driver first,well then it wont never happen because none of these clowns can drive on the normal road let alone F1.
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Might be one on the way up see.......
Bio
Alexander Albon is making a big step up this year, swapping karts for Formula Renault 2.0. The Thai-English driver, who was born in London, but races under a Thai licence goes into Formula racing as both a World and European Champion from the KF3 class – following in the footsteps of Red Bull Junior Team graduates Sebastian Vettel and Sébastien Buemi.
Alex has won his own weight in silverware karting in Britain, including the Vodafone Karting Challenge and the GP Kartmasters, racing as far afield as Malaysia.
Alex’s programme for 2012 includes both the Eurocup series and ALPS championship. He is driving for EPIC Racing, the team from the Basque country that oversaw the development of the mighty Robert Kubica.
If the name looks familiar, Alex's dad is former BTCC and Porsche Carrera Cup driver Nigel Albon. Encouraged by his father, Alex started karting when he was six years old, initially on a course made from bricks. Having dominated the under-15s KF3 category, Alex moved into the senior KF1 category when he reached the minimum age last year. He took back-to-back wins and was runner-up in the World Championship.
TBWG buriram_united sawadi
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I hope newin does build a track here.. They have a thing called track day when you can take your own vehicle around the track.. Imagine all the old boys riding there mopeds and ending up in the barrier or tyres.. Maybe all the falangs can have a race day where the winner gets a trophy .. Would bring a little more excitement to buriram
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I hope newin does build a track here.. They have a thing called track day when you can take your own vehicle around the track.. Imagine all the old boys riding there mopeds and ending up in the barrier or tyres.. Maybe all the falangs can have a race day where the winner gets a trophy .. Would bring a little more excitement to buriram
I agree toffo. I hope he builds the track. What has Buriram got to lose ? Mind you ... I don't think it will ever happen ... but I hope it does all the same.
If he has a lazy 2 billion burning a hole in his pocket ... then go for it. It takes entrepeuners like him to get these things rolling at some point.
There will need to be some serious accommodation development in the area though.
I've been to the Melbourne Grand Prix on two occasions, and really enjoyed the atmosphere and the spectacle. Was great. You get a better view of the race on TV of course, but there was so much happening at the venue to keep everyone entertained apart from the racing.
Will never take my GF again though. She was bored shitless !! :D
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I hope newin does build a track here.. They have a thing called track day when you can take your own vehicle around the track.. Imagine all the old boys riding there mopeds and ending up in the barrier or tyres.. Maybe all the falangs can have a race day where the winner gets a trophy .. Would bring a little more excitement to buriram
Yes we could open a book on the Thai drivers who embarrass their self the most. bike038
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Haha I agree Albert.. Imagine the money the amateur emergency services would make picking them off the track..
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If you have a couple of hours to spare one afternoon, go down to the Buriram Licensing Centre and watch the Thai's try to get their drivers licence.
It's on the Buriram-Prakhon Chai Rd, on the left just before the traffic lights near Khao Kradong hill.
There is a "witches hat" slalom course up the back of the complex where the hopefuls do their driving test. No actual road test required.
You can sit in the shade with all the hopeful's "rellies" and watch the show, as the learners try and negiotate the course. Of course, most of them bring the family 2t pickup truck, which is just about the worst vehicle for a novice to try to manoeuver in and out of tricky witches hats. The clever learners bring a Mirage or Jazz. Sooooo much easier.
You will have more laughs than you've had in a long time. Mind you ... it's serious business for the hopefuls, and we've all been through this at some time in our life, but I came away from the complex with a new understanding of why so many Thai's are awful, suicidal and hopeless drivers on the road.
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If you have a couple of hours to spare one afternoon, go down to the Buriram Licensing Centre and watch the Thai's try to get their drivers licence.
It's on the Buriram-Prakhon Chai Rd, on the left just before the traffic lights near Khao Kradong hill.
There is a "witches hat" slalom course up the back of the complex where the hopefuls do their driving test. No actual road test required.
You can sit in the shade with all the hopeful's "rellies" and watch the show, as the learners try and negiotate the course. Of course, most of them bring the family 2t pickup truck, which is just about the worst vehicle for a novice to try to manoeuver in and out of tricky witches hats. The clever learners bring a Mirage or Jazz. Sooooo much easier.
You will have more laughs than you've had in a long time. Mind you ... it's serious business for the hopefuls, and we've all been through this at some time in our life, but I came away from the complex with a new understanding of why so many Thai's are awful, suicidal and hopeless drivers on the road.
Yeah and they still pass them... Imagine how many would fail in your own country,, the roads would be so quiet oh how I wish.
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Haha I agree Albert.. Imagine the money the amateur emergency services would make picking them off the track..
bravo1
The trophy for the worst driver. yeahme
Candidates all of Buriram province.
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If you have a couple of hours to spare one afternoon, go down to the Buriram Licensing Centre and watch the Thai's try to get their drivers licence.
It's on the Buriram-Prakhon Chai Rd, on the left just before the traffic lights near Khao Kradong hill.
There is a "witches hat" slalom course up the back of the complex where the hopefuls do their driving test. No actual road test required.
You can sit in the shade with all the hopeful's "rellies" and watch the show, as the learners try and negiotate the course. Of course, most of them bring the family 2t pickup truck, which is just about the worst vehicle for a novice to try to manoeuver in and out of tricky witches hats. The clever learners bring a Mirage or Jazz. Sooooo much easier.
You will have more laughs than you've had in a long time. Mind you ... it's serious business for the hopefuls, and we've all been through this at some time in our life, but I came away from the complex with a new understanding of why so many Thai's are awful, suicidal and hopeless drivers on the road.
Yeah and they still pass them... Imagine how many would fail in your own country,, the roads would be so quiet oh how I wish.
I would say less than 5% of Thais would pass a British/European driving test.
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Politician-turned-football club owner Newin Chidchob plans to construct a Formula One racetrack worth about two billion baht in his hometown Buri Ram, Thai Rath reported on Thursday.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/lite/breakingnews/332463/newin-to-build-f1-racetrack
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If you have a couple of hours to spare one afternoon, go down to the Buriram Licensing Centre and watch the Thai's try to get their drivers licence.
It's on the Buriram-Prakhon Chai Rd, on the left just before the traffic lights near Khao Kradong hill.
There is a "witches hat" slalom course up the back of the complex where the hopefuls do their driving test. No actual road test required.
You can sit in the shade with all the hopeful's "rellies" and watch the show, as the learners try and negiotate the course. Of course, most of them bring the family 2t pickup truck, which is just about the worst vehicle for a novice to try to manoeuver in and out of tricky witches hats. The clever learners bring a Mirage or Jazz. Sooooo much easier.
You will have more laughs than you've had in a long time. Mind you ... it's serious business for the hopefuls, and we've all been through this at some time in our life, but I came away from the complex with a new understanding of why so many Thai's are awful, suicidal and hopeless drivers on the road.
This is getting off the F1 topic, but as a 40 year professional driver and long distance transport operator back home, I feel reasonably qualified to offer the following observations on Thai drivers. (Everyone is an "expert" at something :)
When I first arrived in Buriram, I found myself saying "WOW" at least 100 times a day !! Mostly to do with road/vehicle happenings. Now that I've been here a while, I say "WOW" only 90 times a day !! :D
I'd been here maybe 2 days and very nearly hit an unmarked elephant wandering along Jira Rd late at night. That got my attention pretty quick !! At that stage, I'd never ever seen an elephant outside of a big city Western zoo.
I have a secret admiration for the way Thai's get on with their lives. Although we farangs see the road system and drivers as being pretty chaotic, it actually works ! Probably because there ARE so many scooters. Can you imagine the chaos if all the scooters were cars !!
I'm constantly amazed that I've never seen anything approaching "road rage". Back home in Oz, people would be out of their cars in a flash, wanting to have a Barney, or blowing horns, or waving the finger, or getting agro etc. Not here. Just keep going forwards ... whatever it takes. Says a lot about the different cultures. :biggrin:
The suicidal overtaking tactics by many drivers on the open highways always amazes me. But everyone seems to be ok with it. Wrong as it is, everyone accepts it !! One of the BIGGEST problems is slow trucks. I've never seen line haul, and delivery trucks travelling so ridiculously slow on open highways. 50-60kph is always going to cause congestion, and dangerous trouble. All trucks are capable of 80-100kph. Even the old bangers that come out twice a year at harvest time.
The apparent lack of road sense by many Thai's I think is actually wrong. Most of them have been riding scooters since 6yo, when we kids we still riding bicycles. So I reckon their "road sense" is ok. Much has to do with the congested nature of the roads, and the logic of "keep moving forwards ... whatever it takes" mentality. Now that I've got used to it, I actually find myself slipping into Thai habits driving around town.
I also think that many Thai's do not fear prosecution that much. As Westerners, we are taught that traffic infringements are serious, and costly, misdemeanours. I'm not sure Thai's have the same feelings, hence they ignore many rules.
As I see it, perhaps the biggest problem, is the Driver Licensing system, as described in my previous post. It really is way too easy, and does not reflect a drivers' readiness, or capabilities, to legally tackle the open road.
It's a BIG step up from riding a scooter, to handling a large 2t pickup truck. Many smaller Thai girls can barely see through the steering wheel, so it's no surprise that they have difficulty to negiotate narrow traffic streets, or park, or reverse.
But, that's the system. It works for Thai's. I'm ok with that. Just wish I was born with 6 eyes, instead of 2 :D
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In my honest opinion it doesn't work they should all be taking off the road and be giving a proper driving test,because they don't have a brain cell between them.
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Thailand planning for 2015
by Joe Saward
Ratchadamnoen Avenue is likely to be the main route for Thailand's first Formula One race, officials said yesterday.
Officials from the Sports Authority of Thailand, motorsport's governing body FIA, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Royal Automobile Association of Thailand have met to discuss the possibility of a night Grand Prix on the streets of Bangkok in 2015. The route agreed includes the main Ratchadamnoen Avenue, with the track using Din So Road to the Giant Swing and Wat Suthat Temple and then down to the Grand Palace and the Navy Club, with a run close to the Chao Phraya River. The paddock and grandstands would be located principally in the Sanam Luang park. The plan will be put to the Thai cabinet in the next few weeks. The
Concerned parties will draw a master plan and seek Cabinet approval within six weeks.
Sports Authority of Thailand governor Kanokphand Chulakasem said that contracts have yet to be signed but the plan is for the event for a night race, similar to the event in Singapore.
TBWG buriram_united sawadi
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It will never happen....................
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It will never happen....................
I hope you're right Co-Co.
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Bangkok has given the green light to a Formula One racing route, which will host the city’s first Formula One race in 2015.
According to Kanokphand Chulakasem, governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, a group of experts selected a 5.995-kilometer route that will take racers on a tour of Bangkok’s central landmarks, including the Grand Palace, Temple of Dawn and Victory Monument.
The Royal Dock Yard will serve as the race’s beginning and endpoint.
According to the Bangkok Post, the Sports Authority has proposed building makeshift stands to house up to 150,000 spectators. As the route will take racers by the banks of the Chao Phraya, some of these stands may be constructed on the river itself.
TBWG buriram_united sawadi
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I sense a disaster coming....
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It will never happen....................
Very True CoCo
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The proposed route for the track which will host Thailand’s round of the 2015 F1 season has been approved by the government.
Thailand Sports Authority governor Kanokphand Chulakase approved the layout, which is made up of streets around the Grand Palace, on Thursday according to the Bangkok Post.
The start and finish area will overlook the Chao Phraya River. “We may be able to build the main stands in the river,” said Chulakase, “It would also be convenient for transportation of equipment.” Seating for up to 150,000 spectators is planned around the course.
From the waterfront the cars will follow a clockwise route which takes in Ratchadamnoen Avenue which Mark Webber drove along in a demonstration run for Red Bull in 2010.
A final track layout will require formal approval from the FIA before the race takes place in two years’ time. Race organisers intend Thailand’s first grand prix to take place at night.
TBWG buriram_united sawadi
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The GP of Thailand (or not)…
June 8, 2013 by Joe Saward
Bangkok’s chances of hosting a Formula One race have taken a major dive in recent days after the city’s Metropolitan Authority passed a rule banning car racing in the historic district of the city, because the area is a conservation zone. The City Planning Department told AFP that the legislation was not aimed at the F1 plan specifically and had been under discussion for some years. The dream is thus dead. It remains to be seen whether or not the Korean GP will be saved as a result.
TBWG buriram_united sawadi
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The GP of Thailand (or not)…
June 8, 2013 by Joe Saward
Bangkok’s chances of hosting a Formula One race have taken a major dive in recent days after the city’s Metropolitan Authority passed a rule banning car racing in the historic district of the city, because the area is a conservation zone. The City Planning Department told AFP that the legislation was not aimed at the F1 plan specifically and had been under discussion for some years. The dream is thus dead. It remains to be seen whether or not the Korean GP will be saved as a result.
TBWG buriram_united sawadi
Snowball in Hell's chance in the first place !!
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Just who is in charge??..........The government approves it,,,,,,,,,,The BMA OPPOSES IT!!
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OH NO!
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Phuket named as alternate Thai venue
Phuket has been named as the likely venue for Thailand's first grand prix after racing in Bangkok was banned.
Thailand had hoped to run a street race through the capital Bangkok, however, those plans came to naught when a law was passed banning motor racing events in the inner city.
The country, though, is refusing to give up on a future in Formula One with Tourism and Sports Minister Somsak Pureesrisak revealing that they are considering Phuket as an alternate venue.
"I can confirm that we cannot hold a Grand Prix on Ratchadamnoen Avenue," Somsak told the Bangkok Post.
"The law, which took effect last month, prohibits a car racing event in inner Bangkok."
He added: "Phuket should be an ideal venue which meets our target to promote tourism.
"We still have time to prepare for the race.
TBWG buriram_united sawadi
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'Pie in the Sky'
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So, will it push through? Last I checked, the track route layout has been confirmed and approved by Thailand Sports Authority governor Kanokphand Chulakase. The final approval will be coming from the FIA. After that, no news has been heard so far. News source: http://www.dafabetsports.com/en/formula1