Sawt Falasteen - Albon excited by possibility of future Thailand F1 race

Thailand's only Formula One driver said he had been keeping up with developments after F1 chief Stefano Domenicali met the Thai prime minister on Tuesday.

The Italian ex-Ferrari boss, who has just extended his contract to lead the sport until 2029, is keen to examine new markets as the sport soars in popularity.

Williams driver Albon said he hoped to talk to Domenicali about it at this week's Chinese Grand Prix.

"I think we're going to reach out later," Albon told reporters at the Shanghai International Circuit.

"It's very exciting, clearly for myself and I think for all of Formula One as well.

"Thailand's an amazing country. And I'm sure people who have actually been to Thailand will all vouch for that.

"I'll be excited to hopefully one day show my colleagues the culture of Thailand and the food."

Formula One currently stages one race in Southeast Asia, in Singapore, which is regarded as the toughest race of the season because of the intense heat and humidity.

A race around the streets of the Thai capital Bangkok would be equally attritional.

"It will be interesting, the heat, that's one area which we might become a Singapore 2.0," said Albon.

"On my side I'm just doing everything I can to make that happen. Let's see what happens."

Most of Formula One's 24-race schedule is confirmed for several years, but gaps are set to open up and Domenicali suggested at the weekend that Thailand could be a contender to join the circuit.

"I was delighted to meet with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister of Thailand, and her team today to discuss their impressive plans to host a race in Bangkok," said Domenicali in a statement after the meeting.

"I am looking forward to continuing our discussions in the weeks and months ahead."

After the talks, the prime minister said Thailand would move ahead with a feasibility study on hosting F1.

"It's not just about the honour of hosting the race, but also a significant opportunity to develop urban infrastructure, welcome tourists from around the world to Thailand and develop industry and service sectors," she posted on X.

O.Farraj--SF-PST