Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve first hosted F1 in 1978 Canada has secured its future on the Formula 1 calendar until at least 2035 on the same day as a grand prix in Thailand moved a step closer. F1 has signed a four-year extension to its deal with the governments of Quebec and Canada for a race in Montreal on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, which first hosted F1 in 1978. Meanwhile, Thailand's cabinet has approved a bid to host a street race in Bangkok. The approval of the funding for the race was a necessary step before Thailand could move forward with talks on a contract with Formula 1. Thai government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub told a news conference that the bid for a race from 2028-32 is worth 40bn Thai baht (£907m). The plan is build a 3.54-mile circuit on a route around the Chatuchak Park area north east of the city centre. The Thai government hopes the F1 race will help promote tourism, which is a key driver of the country's economy. "In the next two-three years, Thailand will have world-class competition, which we never thought would happen in Thailand," Jirayu said. Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali met with Thai prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in March to discuss plans Canada's event had been in some doubt after complaints about the organisation and logistics of the event last year led to a stern warning from F1 president Stefano Domenicali. But a new plan for this year's race ensured traffic flowed much more smoothly, and the deal that was due to run until 2031 has now been extended by four years. A statement from F1 said: "In recent years, the promoter, Octane Racing Group, has made significant investments in the event, modernising infrastructure to meet the growing demands of F1 as the sport continues to expand globally. "This investment will continue and be vital in continuing to enhance the event in the years ahead." From next year, Canadian organisers have also acquiesced to F1's long-held desire to move the race to late May so it can be twinned with the Miami Grand Prix, to help the sport's attempt to reduce carbon emissions by eliminating the need for teams to fly across the Atlantic on two separate occasions.
Canada secures F1 until 2035 as Thai GP moves closer
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"Canada Extends Formula 1 Deal to 2035 as Thailand Advances Grand Prix Plans"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Canada has secured its place on the Formula 1 calendar through at least 2035, following a successful negotiation for a four-year extension with the governments of Quebec and Canada. The extension pertains to the Grand Prix held in Montreal at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, which has been a venue for Formula 1 since 1978. Last year's concerns regarding the event's organization and logistics had raised doubts about its continuation, prompting a stern warning from F1 president Stefano Domenicali. However, improvements in traffic management and infrastructure investments by the promoter, Octane Racing Group, have led to a renewed commitment from F1. The event is now set to be held in late May starting next year, aligning with the Miami Grand Prix to facilitate reduced carbon emissions by minimizing transatlantic travel for teams.
In conjunction with this news, Thailand is making strides toward hosting its first Formula 1 race, with the Thai cabinet approving a bid for a street race in Bangkok from 2028 to 2032. The proposed circuit will be a 3.54-mile route around the Chatuchak Park area, with an estimated investment of 40 billion Thai baht (approximately £907 million). Thai government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub emphasized the importance of this project for promoting tourism, which is crucial for Thailand's economy. The discussions between Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra earlier this year reflect the growing interest in hosting world-class sporting events in Thailand. The combination of these developments highlights the expanding global footprint of Formula 1, as it continues to engage new markets while solidifying its presence in established venues like Canada.
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