Thailand, Korea and Rwanda in line to replace Singapore GP on Formula 1 calendar
09/27/2024 01:39 PM
Formula 1 raced in the city-state last weekend and has been hosting F1 for quite some time. Many editions have been filled with spectacle and drama, the most iconic being the 2008 edition with the famous Crash Gate. Despite this, the future of the Singapore GP seems at risk, with the contract renewal appearing increasingly distant.
Journalist Joe Saward seems quite convinced and speaks of a large presence of delegates from other circuits in Singapore. Among the potential replacements is Rwanda, which lately seems to be getting closer to hosting an F1 GP.
However, many countries are eager to host a round of the F1 world championship. According to the English journalist, the main candidates are Thailand, Rwanda, and South Korea. A race in Rwanda would mark a significant return of the premier series to the African continent after the editions in Cape Town. Supporting this theory is the year-end Gala, which will be hosted in Rwanda.
As for South Korea, Formula 1 would return to the track that hosted the series until 2013. The organizers are hoping for another chance for their circuit, which had delivered intense races.
The situation is slightly more delicate in Thailand, where initially, according to rumors, there was a plan for a street circuit around the royal palace in Bangkok. However, this option could easily become unrealistic due to cultural issues. If a member of the royal family were to pass away, the entire area would be closed for mourning for an entire year. According to Joe Saward, the project has shifted towards a permanent circuit near U-Tapao Rayong airport, south of Pattaya.
According to Jack Plooij, Thailand will even be included in the calendar in place of Singapore. "It’s done. Until 2028 and then no more," he said at Race Café on Ziggo Sport about the Grand Prix at the Marina Bay street circuit. "It won't be extended because [Formula 1] is very focused on Thailand. At first, we thought Malaysia might take over from 2029, but it will probably be Thailand."
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