Turkish Grand Prix set for F1 return?

A meeting between F1 CEO Chase Carey and President Erdogan paves the way for the revered Istanbul Park Circuit and the Turkish Grand Prix to return

Ollie Barstow

12 Apr 2017

The revered Istanbul Park Intercity circuit is lining up a return to the Formula 1 calendar after new CEO Chase Carey met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss plans to revive the Turkish Grand Prix.

The state-subsidised event enjoyed a short but memorable stay on the F1 calendar between 2005 and 2011, but slipped off the schedule following a disagreement between circuit owners and erstwhile chairman Bernie Ecclestone over race hosting fees.

However, the arrival of new owners Liberty Media are understood to have reignited the potential of a new deal to return Turkey to the schedule, with a statement on the President's website confirming a meeting took place in the presence of sport's minister Akif Cagatay Kilic and circuit owner Ali Vural ak.

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"I hope that with the help of Mr President, God willing, the Istanbul Park will again host Formula One," Ak is quoted as saying by the Hurriyet daily. "We had very intensive meetings... we have not signed yet but all that remains is a signing. God willing, our country will again host Formula One in Istanbul."

According to sources, Turkey is exploring options for international sporting events after missing out on the chance to host the 2020 Olympic Games, while Chase Carey has intimated that new agreements in hosting fees - a frequent issue under Ecclestone - could be arranged with current and former venues.

Turkey's chances of returning to the schedule are likely to be aided by the confirmation that Malaysia will slip off the schedule in 2018 and the suggestion that the new owners are keen to return to circuits held in high regard.

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Istanbul Park remains revered for its challenging high-speed, anti-clockwise layout, namely its iconic quadruple-apex 'Turn 8' left-hander. However, it has not held an international motorsport event since a 2013 World Superbike Championship round.

If Turkey did return to the calendar in 2018, it would join France in doing so. Germany is also in line for a return to the schedule, raising the prospect of a record 22-race calendar.

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