MOTOGP 2020 RIDES INTO TOWN
The Thailand leg of MotoGP 2020 takes place in Buri Ram next month, instead of October as in previous years. This will be Thailand’s third successive year as host of the world Grand Prix motorcycle racing series. Previously, the event came to the kingdom for Round 15, but this year it will be Round 2.
Kicking off Grand Prix 2020 is the Qatar race in early March. The Thailand round takes place March 20-22 at Chang International Circuit in Buri Ram, before the series moves on to the US and then Argentina. July will see the MotoGP return to Finland for the first time in 38 years. Spain plays host to Round 20, the final session, in November. The race in Thailand this year has been renamed the OR
Thailand Grand Prix, following main sponsor PTT’s rebranding to PTT Oil and Retail Business Company (PTTOR) — OR for short. The event is still hosted by the Tourism and Sports Ministry.
According to the Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the objective is to promote the country as a sports tourism destination.
Last year’s event attracted 226,000 visitors, an increase of 1.5% on the 222,535 visitors in the first year. The 2019 race generated about 3.45 billion baht for the country, according to official figures. Original forecasts for this year had figures surpassing 3.5 billion baht. The Covid-19 outbreak is, however, expected to have a significant impact on revenue. Revised forecasts will be officially announced on Friday.
Five-time world champion Marc Márquez of Honda has won both Thai Grands Prix to date. He will return this year along with the likes of Maverick Viñales, Valentino Rossi and Alex Rins.
Tickets are 2,000 baht for a seat in the Side Stand, or 4,000 baht for a seat in the Grand Stand, Marquez Stand or Rossi Stand. VIP tickets are around 38,000 baht, inclusive of two-day access to the qualifying practice session on March 21 and race day on March 22, and access to the suites and lounge.