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F1 DRIVER ALEX ALBON WOULD SUPPORT THAILAND HOSTING GRAND PRIX

Formula One driver Alex Albon is more than hopeful that Thailand will one day host a Grand Prix. For the best part of a decade, Thailand has been mooted as a potential location for a Formula One race. Back in 2013, the Sports Authority of Thailand even approved a proposed route for a street circuit in Bangkok. The route would go through the heart of historical Bangkok, giving spectators and TV viewers the chance to see several tourist spots such as the Grand Palace, Victory Monument and Temple of Dawn. The proposed route started and finished at the Royal Thai Naval Dockyard (Rat Woradit Pier), and would go along Maha That Road, Na Phra Lan Road, Na Phra That Road, Chakrabongse Road, Phra Sumen Road, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, Maha Chai Road and Thai Wang Road. The proposal also included plans for makeshift stands to be built around the 5.995km circuit that could accommodate up to 150,000 spectators. Bernie Ecclestone, the former chief executive of Formula One even voiced his support for a Thailand Grand Prix in Bangkok on more than one occasion. However, almost a decade later and an F1 race is yet to be held in Thailand.

Despite this, Thai driver Alex Albon, who competes for Williams Racing, says he would support Thailand hosting an F1 race in the future.

Speaking to Hua Hin Today at an event to mark the 20th anniversary of the Monsoon Valley Vineyard in Hua Hin, where he is a brand ambassador, Alex said: “It [Thailand hosting an F1 race] is something that I would obviously be very passionate to push forward.”

“I remember the initial talks were over in Bangkok to have a street circuit but with the traffic, that may be difficult to accomplish”, Alex joked. “But of course we have Buriram which is a grade 1 listed circuit which means technically speaking, it could host a Formula One race.

“It [Thailand hosting an F1 race] is never off the table. It is something that I am pushing for. We’ve had these conversations with the Thai tourism board and I’m sure that if we can make it happen we will, Alex said.

MONSOON VALLEY, THAILAND’S MOST AWARDED WINE, CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY WITH LAUNCH OF NEW WINE EDUCATION CENTER

Monsoon Valley, Thailand’s largest vineyard and most internationally awarded wine, celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The occasion is marked by three major events - the debut of the first locally produced Merlot wine in Thailand, the opening of a new Wine Education viticulture and wine-making. We have also renovated our Sala restaurant, adding more outdoor and indoor seating areas, while upgrading the wine tasting area to give visitors a more immersive experience. Lastly, we are expanding our retail to make it more convenient for consumers to shop.” “20 years ago, we started Monsoon Valley with the vision to create world-class wines right here in Thailand. From humble beginnings, we have grown to become Thailand’s most internationally awarded wine, with more than 350 accolades from around the world.”

Among the many highlights over the years are Monsoon Valley Cuveé de Siam Rouge 2017

Centre and the launch of the newly renovated Sala restaurant at the vineyard.

Covering a cultivation area of over 300 rais in the southern province of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Monsoon Valley today is home to more than 10 varieties of grapes, producing over 300,000 bottles of wines a year, with about 70% of the wines being sold locally and the remaining 30% exported overseas to countries like UK, Germany, Switzerland, Japan and Australia.

Mr. Varit Yoovidhya, Assistant Managing Director of Siam Winery Group, said 2022 marks two decades of successful winemaking for Monsoon Valley.

He elaborated: “To mark this special occasion, we are opening a new Wine Education Centre to educate the general public about tropical

Mr. Varit continued: “All these milestones have been a great source of pride and underscores that world-class quality wines can truly be made in Thailand. Lastly, to celebrate our 20th anniversary, we are proudly releasing Thailand’s first locallygrown Merlot, which is available at our vineyard for you to try today.

Mr. Suppached Sasomsin, Deputy Director of Wine Production and Innovation at Siam Winery, said growing this particular type of grape in Thailand has been extremely challenging. “But we made it after nearly ten years of experimentation, and now have been seeing consistently good quality crops over the past 3-4 seasons.”

Merlot cultivation and wine making in humid tropics like Thailand is almost impossible as this grape variety usually grows well in cold countries such as in Europe.

receiving a gold medal at this year’s AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge, and the Monsoon Valley White Shiraz being named “World’s Best Rose” by James Suckling in 2018, beating out over 150 roses from around the world in a blind taste test.

Another unforgettable moment was when Monsoon Valley was selected to be the only Thai wine presented to royalty from around the world at the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej’s accession to the throne.

“So, we would like to invite everyone to try this very special Monsoon Valley Merlot wine at our vineyard, and help us celebrate the talent of Thai people in making this a reality.”

You can visit Monsoon Valley Vineyard, open everyday from 9AM to 7PM.

Reservations are advised.

For more information visit www.monsoonvalley. com or call +6681-701-0222.

Guido Campigotto, Thanit Buakhiew, Chris Carter, Pimmy Awika Chaeng chenkit, Alex Albon, Suppached Sasomsin (Winery Deputy Director-Innovation & Winemaking) and Yeen Chalermvong senee at Monsoon Valley’s 20 th anniversary celebrations.