2015 Thailand Grand Prix track route approved, awaits FIA nod

South-East Asia might host another night race in 2015 as the proposed street circuit in Bangkok was approved by the Government of Thailand. It would be the third Formula 1 venue in that part of the world as Singapore already hosts a night race in a street circuit and the Sepang circuit in Malaysia has been on the F1 calendar for a long time.

FIILE PHOTO: Mark Webber of Australia drives at Rajdamnoen Avenue in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Thai people have witnessed some F1 action in the past. Red Bull’s Mark Webber drove in a part of this circuit at Rajdamnoen avenue in 2010. The 2012 Race of Champions took place at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium and attracted a sizeable audience.

The 5.995 km (3.75 miles) circuit which has been finalised would run along the banks of the Chao Phraya river. Several tourist attractions such as the Grand Palace, Victory Monument and Temple of Dawn, which are located alongside the route, would make great views for the spectators and the TV viewers around the world.

The proposed street circuit for the 2015 Thailand Grand Prix in Bangkok

The pit straight of the circuit would be at the Royal Thai Naval Dockyard (Rat Woradit Pier). Then it would go along Maha That Road, Na Phra Lan Road, Na Phra That Road, Chakrabongse Road, Phra Sumen Road, Rajdamnoen Avenue, Maha Chai Road and Thai Wang Road in a clockwise direction.

The government authorities have confirmed that makeshift stands would be built on the Chao Phraya river and in other areas in the circuit during the race weekend. It is estimated that about 150,000 people would be able to watch the action unfold on the track at this venue. The authorities also added that only a few residents would be affected by the proposed track route.

The proposed track is subject to final approval by the governing body of F1 – the FIA.

With Russia (Sochi) all set to host a race in a new circuit in 2014 and now Thailand gearing up for the Thailand Grand Prix in 2015, the FIA has a tedious task of fitting in all these races in the calendar which is already cramped. Some of the current venues are bound to miss out or might host races in alternate years to keep the total number of races limited to 20 per year.