The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) governor, Dr Gongsak Yodmani, has confirmed that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Formula 1, according to the Bangkok Post, moving the nation’s hopes of joining the calendar one step closer.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali visited Thailand earlier this month to meet with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Speaking about the visit, Domenicali explained:
“I was delighted to meet with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the prime minister of Thailand, and her team today to discuss their impressive plans to host a race in Bangkok. I am looking forward to continuing our discussions in the weeks and months ahead.”
Now, Yodmani has announced that the MoU has been signed and that the Chatuchak region has been identified as a potential venue for the Thailand Grand Prix. He commented:
“The important thing is that we have to understand the community and the people in the area who will be affected by the race. We all agree that hosting an F1 event should benefit all concerned parties, especially people living in the area.
“We need to let them know that we’re committed to minimising the impact on environmental and noise issues and ensuring the locals are informed and compensated.”
George Russell, Mercedes-AMG F1 Team, Stefano Domenicali, CEO, Formula One Group
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
One driver particularly excited about the prospect of a Thailand Grand Prix is Alex Albon, who has said “it would mean the world” to him to have a home race. The Williams driver commented after Domenicali confirmed talks with Shinawatra:
“I’m super excited to hear the news about a possible Thai Grand Prix,” he said. “It would mean the world to me for that to happen, and it would be another home race not just for me, but for Williams too. I’m very excited, it deserves to be on the race calendar.
“Speaking to the other drivers in Formula 1, I know a lot of them haven’t been to Thailand before. I would be really excited to show them the culture of Thailand, the people, the food. I want to be their tour guide for the weekends!
“Maybe we can go to some temples as well. I think it’s fantastic. I’d love to see Thai people more involved in the motorsport world, and I’d like to try to help this happen in any way that I can.”
