26/05/2012
NEWS STORY
In a move that clearly signals its desire to host a Grand Prix, Thailand is to host this year's Race of Champions.
On Friday, organizers of the annual event revealed that this year the Race of Champions will take place at the Rajamangala Stadium, home of Thailand's national soccer team. While last year's event took place in Frankfurt, in 2009 it was held in Beijing's (Bird's Nest) National Stadium.
The announcement comes at a time when Bernie Ecclestone admits that the new Concorde Agreement will allow for more than twenty races each season, and with ever more countries eager to get in on the (F1) act.
"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," said Thailand's Minister of Tourism and Sports, Chumphol Silpa-archa, in a statement. "We aim to bring Formula One to Thailand as well."
With the region already hosting races in Malaysia and Singapore, the minister suggested Thailand could be ready to host a Grand Prix as early as 2014.