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Thailand's plans to host a Formula 1 grand prix have hit trouble after Bangkok officials banned racing in the city's historic quarter.

Authorities said in April that a 5.995km circuit would be created near the Royal Thai Naval Dockyard in Bangkok, with the hope of landing a deal to host a Formula 1 race in 2015.

The track would have run past the Grand Palace, the Temple of Dawn and Victory Monument.

The plans, however, have suffered a setback after Bangkok's Metropolitan Authority passed a law that bans racing in the area.

"The law came into effect on May 16 prohibiting car racing in inner Bangkok because that area is a conservation for culture and arts," Kriangphon Pattanarat, director general of city planning department told AFP.

It is still unknown whether another location is being considered for the circuit.