The National Times - F1 boss holds talks with Thailand on hosting grand prix

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, and Thailand has suggested it may be interested.

Most of Formula One's 24-race schedule is locked in 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.

After the talks, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said Thailand would move ahead with a feasibility study to examine the pros and cons of hosting F1 -- including the costs and where the race would be run.

"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 social media platform X.

Thailand's northeastern Buriram track has become a regular fixture on the MotoGP circuit, hosting the season opening race earlier this month, but the kingdom has never hosted Formula 1.

Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said the prime minister told Domenicali that Thailand would work with F1 officials to see how a grand prix could work in the kingdom.

Domenicali visited Bangkok in April last year for talks with then-prime minister Srettha Thavisin, who pitched his vision of bringing a race to the sprawling, traffic-clogged Thai capital.

Thai officials said at the time they envisaged a street circuit, possibly around Bangkok's historic centre, as the kingdom looks to boost its image internationally through a host of "soft power" initiatives.

But Thailand is not the only country knocking at F1's door -- historic hosts France and Germany are seeking a return to the calendar, while the Turkish Grand Prix, last held in 2021, is also seen as a likely candidate.

The Asia-Pacific region currently hosts four races -- in Australia, China, Japan and Singapore -- while Thailand is represented on the grid by Alex Albon of Williams, who finished fifth in Melbourne.

R.Campbell--TNT