Chang

Chang International Circuit stands as Thailand's premier motorsport facility, located in Buriram Province approximately 400 kilometers northeast of Bangkok. The circuit opened in 2014 and quickly established itself as a world-class racing destination in Southeast Asia. This modern racing venue combines technical challenges with spectator-friendly design, making it a favorite among racing teams and fans alike.

History and Development

The circuit was the vision of Newin Chidchob, a local businessman and politician who wanted to transform Buriram into a sports hub. Construction began in March 2013, and the circuit officially opened on October 4, 2014. Hermann Tilke, the renowned German architect responsible for many Formula 1 circuits worldwide, designed the track. The venue hosted its first major event shortly after opening—a Japanese Super GT race in 2014. The circuit's name comes from its main sponsor, Chang Beer, though it's sometimes called Buriram International Circuit due to alcohol advertising restrictions in some countries.

Technical Specifications

Chang International Circuit features a 4.554-kilometer (2.829-mile) layout with 12 turns—7 right and 5 left. The track runs in a clockwise direction and maintains a consistent width of 12 meters. One of its most notable features is the 1-kilometer straight, which allows vehicles to reach impressive speeds before heavy braking zones. The circuit holds both FIA Grade 1 and FIM Grade A certifications, making it suitable for top-tier car and motorcycle racing events. The design includes six different circuit variations, with three that can operate simultaneously for different events.

Circuit Design and Features

The track layout follows a specific design brief: to ensure spectators in the main grandstand could see as much racing action as possible. This spectator-focused approach makes Chang one of the most viewer-friendly circuits in motorsport. The venue includes a main grandstand with 50,000 seats and additional viewing areas that bring the total capacity to 100,000 spectators. Two large ponds inside the circuit perimeter serve a practical purpose by helping air circulate and reducing humidity for both competitors and fans. The facility includes full floodlighting that meets FIA standards, allowing for night races when needed.

Major Racing Events

Chang International Circuit hosts several major international racing series. MotoGP arrived in 2018, with the inaugural Thai Grand Prix drawing 220,000 fans over three days—the highest attendance of the 2018 season. The paddock voted it "The Best GP of 2018." The circuit also regularly hosts the World Superbike Championship (since 2015), Japanese Super GT (since 2014), GT World Challenge Asia, Asia Road Racing Championship, and previously welcomed the Asian Le Mans Series and World Touring Car Championship. The COVID-19 pandemic forced cancellation of events in 2020 and 2021, but racing has since returned to full capacity.

Location and Access

The circuit sits just 10 kilometers from Buriram town, whose name translates to "city of happiness." Visitors can reach Buriram via daily flights from Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport to Buriram Airport (BFV). By car, the journey from Bangkok takes approximately five hours. The strategic location has helped establish the circuit as an important sporting destination in Thailand, drawing international visitors and putting Buriram on the global motorsport map.