Alex Albon reveals F1 Thailand Grand Prix plans
Thai racer Alex Albon is working with his home government on a project to bring Formula 1 to Bangkok and has revealed some of the details behind the plans for a Thailand Grand Prix.
'It all looks really promising,' said Albon, who is hopeful of a home grand prix becoming part of the Formula 1 calendar in the near future.
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With several countries keen to get a slice of the increasingly succulent F1 pie, Thailand appears to be closer than most to making it a reality, with Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali having visited the country already this year.
Albon, too, has spoken with prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and the Thai cabinet has already approved a $1.2billion bid to bring F1 to the streets of its capital city by 2028.
However, Shinawatra's position has become uncertain in recent weeks, following a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen that led to public outcry in Thailand – although for now she remains as prime minister.
Alex Albon, Williams with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand PM
Alex Albon, Williams with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand PM
Despite the hiccup, Thailand – whose previous prime minister Srettha Thavisin was also keen to secure an F1 race to boost the tourist economy – is expected to push ahead with its plans, with Albon also playing a key role.
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'It looks like it's becoming more and more real,' he said ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend. 'Obviously, Thailand is quite big with the tourism industry and Formula 1 fits their narrative perfectly.
'I do think it's going to be really good for the country. It seems like they're taking it very seriously as well. They've come to a lot of races and I'm not sure if they're going to be here this weekend. But they've been coming to pretty much the last two or three races.
'And it's all going forward. There's not been any setbacks so far, which is obviously very important. I can't really say so much. But everything I've seen – the circuit, the initial plans – it all looks really promising.'
More character
Pushed on the circuit plans, Albon did lift the lid slightly on what a proposed track could look like and, more importantly, where it could be located.
Carlos Sainz, Williams, Alexander Albon, Williams
Carlos Sainz, Williams, Alexander Albon, Williams
'It's not in central Bangkok, I can say that. If you've ever been to Thailand and Bangkok, you know the traffic situation there is not great. So, it's more out of the way,' he explained.
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'They're doing a lot of work with the infrastructure and the logistics, getting people in and out. The track itself is... I wouldn't call it your classic street track. Not the ones that we usually see in the last few years. I think it's got more character than that, which is positive.'
Much like his Williams team-mate Carlos Sainz, who is an official ambassador for Madrid's 'Madring' circuit that will host a second race in Spain next season, Albon is hoping to play his part in delivering a race to Bangkok.
'I think in the end, the government is really supportive around it,' he added.
Read Also:
Why a South African F1 return still seems far-fetched
Thailand confirms $1.2billion bid to bring F1 to Bangkok
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'So, it doesn't require me to be too vocal or informed about it. But at the same time, I want it to be a success. So going into this year, next year, the work that we're doing to promote Formula 1 within Thailand, motorsport within Thailand, we're working with the government and everyone very closely.
'The sports tourism, general tourism as well. Really trying to engage with everyone and get it as big as we can.'
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