F1 venue short circuits

BANGKOK, 13 June 2013: Tourism and Sports Minister, Somsak Pureesrisak, says Thailand will find a new venue to host a F1 Grand Prix in 2015 instead of Rajdamnoen Avenue after it was discovered a city ordinance forbids motor racing  in inner Bangkok.

However, there was growing criticism of the decision to host the race in Bangkok’s main historical district and a series of small protests by residents who opposed the choice.

Mr Somsak confirmed, earlier this week, that the government would move the event from the city’s historical district.

He added: “Besides the law, the venue was the centre of controversy with protests by environmentalists and residents.”

Late April, Sports Authority of Thailand agreed to select a so-called “G Plus” or riverside circuit to host the race covering 5.995 km and starting at the Department of Royal Thai Naval Dockyard pier road next to the Chao Phraya River. The route went through the historical Rattanakosin Island district to Victory Monument and back to the Navy dock pier.

There were other proposed venues such as the Government Complex in Honour of His Majesty the King on Chaengwattana Road and Muang Thong Thani in the capital. Also, Phuket, Nakhon Ratchasima and Khon Kaen provinces were named as potential sites.

“Phuket could be an ideal venue due to its status  as a popular tourism destination, while Khon Kaen and Nakhon Ratchasima may not be suitable,” he said.

The new venue needs to have space for 100,000 spectators and be close to an international airport.

Sourced: ttrweekly