The Thai MotoGP event has caused a sensation in the motorsports world since it officially joined the World Championship calendar. The race is held at the Chang International Circuit, also known as the Buriram International Circuit, opened in 2014. The track, designed by Hermann Tilke, has been approved by the FIA. Before joining the MotoGP calendar in 2018, it hosted many other events, including the World Superbike Championship and the World Touring Car Championship. The circuit owes its name to one of its main corporate sponsors, the Chang Brewery. However, you must use your non-commercial name in the FIM documentation, as both France and Qatar have legislation regarding sponsorship by alcoholic beverage companies;
Enjoying the race on a tropical island guarantees a lot of fun under a shining sun, another element that adds to a date that already has a lot of atmosphere. The particular layout of this circuit is considered a challenge for the drivers, especially Turn 3. The participants show their exceptional courage in overcoming it, as they go from one gear to another in hardly any time. In addition, turns 11 and 12 - located near the positions of drivers Marc Márquez and Valentino Rossi, respectively - deserve special attention. If you are an unconditional fan of any of them, this is your site.
Its exciting curves make this race an unbeatable event for spectators; be sure to choose the right seats to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Think big with the MotoGP VIP Village package and enjoy gourmet catering and bar services throughout the day, as well as access to the Paddock and exclusive tours. This is your chance to receive VIP treatment! Alternatively, you can choose between the different grandstands, which give you access to the circuit throughout the weekend. That's three days of pure excitement and adrenaline! Each grandstand offers a different perspective of the track and guarantees an incredible experience.
Circuit history
The Buriram United International Circuit has burst onto the motorsports scene, propelling Thailand onto the international stage for the first time. Now also known as Chang International Circuit thanks to a sponsorship agreement with a brewery, the circuit has been created to the highest standards of the FIA and FIM, potentially putting it in line to host Formula One races. and MotoGP in the future.
The project is the brain of wealthy local politician and former cabinet minister Newin Chidchob, who also owns the soccer club with its luxurious new stadium just a short walk from the track. The goal was to turn the rural city (whose name in the Khmer language means "City of Happiness") into a sports destination in an attempt to raise its profile and attract tourism to northeast Thailand.
Construction of the 2 billion baht circuit (about £ 38 million) started in March 2013 and progressed very quickly. Hermann Tilke was hired to design the master plan, commissioning most of the track to be visible from the 50,000-seat main grandstand. With a 1,200 acre site available, this still allowed for the inclusion of two long straight sections (one of which is 1 km long), as well as a more compact complex in front of the grandstand.
Unusually, the pit garages are located below the main grandstand so as not to obstruct the view and the result is a very imposing structure that dominates the skyline, reminiscent of the pit buildings at Le Mans.
There are a total of six circuit variations available, three of which can be run simultaneously. The shorter designs have been set up with local racing championships in mind as these typically use near production vehicles at much lower horsepower which would not be suitable for the long straights.
The circuit was also designed from the ground up with night racing in mind and is fully illuminated according to FIA standards. Another quirk is the addition of two large ponds within the perimeter, designed to help air circulate around the complex to lessen the effects of Thailand's humidity.
Construction was largely completed in September 2014 and an FIA inspection confirmed the Grade One status of the circuit later that month after an inspection of the track. Originally the circuit was intended to meet Grade Two status, but the circuit sponsors decided to go ahead with the higher grade to attract a larger selection of world series.
The circuit was inaugurated on October 4 and 5, 2014, with the visit of the Japanese Super GT series. The strong promotion of the event led to 130,000 curious spectators to turn out during the weekend of the race, in many cases to see their first sporting event live. They braved the scorching heat and humidity to witness the victory of Kazuki Nakajima and James Rossiter of Petronas Tom's RCF in the GT500. Kazuki Hoshino and Spaniard Lucas Ordóñez from the Japanese team NDDP Racing took the GT300 honors.
