It "seems to be a done deal" that Thailand will soon host an F1 Grand Prix, but the "remaining question is where the race will take place," according to Dominik Sharaf of MOTORSPORT TOTAL. Red Bull Manager Michael de Santiesteban said, "There are two options for a night race: the Ratchadamnoen Avenue and Chiang Mai." Red Bull, the Austrian-based energy drink producer, "is co-initiator and financial backer of the Thailand race project." Another investor is brewery Singha. De Santiesteban said the Ratchadamnoen Avenue, located in the country's capital city, Bangkok, "is 'the better and more attractive' option in comparison to the university city in the county's north." De Santiesteban said, "The avenue would have to be closed for only a few days. The street is wide enough and has several nice corners. In addition, you don't have to invest to build a new racetrack." Another advantage of the city course is that the majority of the buildings along the Ratchadamnoen Avenue "are government and military owned, which would simplify preparations for the race" (MOTORSPORT TOTAL, 11/19). In Bangkok, Kittipong Thongsombat reported F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone "has reportedly agreed to Thailand hosting a Grand Prix in '14, and a deal is expected to be signed by the end of the year." De Santiesteban said a race along Bangkok's Ratchadamnoen Avenue would be a very nice "because the route features landmarks such as the Grand Palace, Democracy Monument and Royal Plaza." He added, "People would be able to watch it from different locations" (BANGKOK POST, 11/20).
