In an amazing turnaround, the new circuit at Buriram (now called the Chang International Circuit) has been awarded a top grade by the FIA. I have seen the license certificate which came after track inspection by Tim Schenken (FIA representative and an ex-F1 driver from Australia) and signed by Jean Todt, the president of the FIA. The circuit license is for three years.
The next step will be for Thailand to apply for a round of the F1 world championship. To be given a slot requires a sack full of money, but Nevin Chidchop in Buriram seems to have a bottomless pit of available money. And to give the man his due, he envisaged the circuit and has made it happen.
A round of the Retro Championship, in which I run with the TBX Escort Mk 1, is scheduled for November 7-8-9, and I am looking forward to competing on the new circuit. Just a shame it is so far from Pattaya.
