Mat Coch writes:

Officials in Thailand have approved the route of a circuit on which it proposes to host a Formula One race in 2015.

The3.725 miles (5.995 km) track which runs through the streets of Bangkok was approved on Thursday by Kanokphand Chulakasem, the governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand.

The proposed circuit passes a number of civic monuments including the Grand Palace, Temple of Dawn and Victory Monument, while the pits and paddock complex would be built alongside the Chao Phraya River.

Temporary stands would be erected, capable of holding a crowd of 150,000 people.

"We may be about to build the main stands in the river," said Kanokphand, according to the Bangkok Post. "It would also be convenient for transportation of equipment."

Thailand was first linked with a Grand Prix in 2011 and gained further momentum last year when it hosted the Race of Champions.

"The race (of champions) will be a perfect opportunity for Thais to see some of the world's greatest drivers and represents another step by the government in its efforts to promote racing and automotive sports in the Kingdom," Thailand's Minitor of Tourism and Sports, Chumphol Sila-archa, said at the time. "We aim to bring Formula One to Thailand as well."

With the circuit layout finalised, the proposal, which includes the race being hosted at night, will be submitted for cabinet approval, a process that can take up to three months.