F1 News: FIA In Discussion Over Revival Of The Turkish GP
During talks this week, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem met with Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the resort town of Marmaris on Sunday to discuss the potential return of Formula 1's Turkish Grand Prix and the World Rally Championship.
Key Takeaways:
- FIA President Ben Sulayem discussed the potential return of F1's Turkish Grand Prix and WRC with Turkey's President Erdogan.
- Istanbul Park hosted F1 races from 2005 to 2011, returning in 2020 and 2021. FIA's interest coincides with efforts by Istanbul Park owners to secure a new race contract.
- The current leaseholder's contract expired, prompting a new call for tenders with a $117 million rental fee and a guaranteed spot on the F1 calendar from 2026. Erdogan supports the positive impact of motorsport in Turkey.
Turkey hosted Formula 1 races at the Istanbul Park circuit from 2005 to 2011 before returning to the calendar in the COVID-affected years of 2020 and 2021. The FIA's keenness to bring Turkey back to the F1 calendar coincides with the endeavors of Istanbul Park owners to secure a new race contract.
The current leaseholder, Intercity, has seen its contract expire, prompting the General Directorate of Foundations to issue a new call for tenders. The demands include a $117 million rental fee for the contract and a guarantee of a place on the F1 calendar from 2026. The FOM deal should be signed within a month of taking over the venue.
Revealing his discussion with President Erdogan, Ben Sulayem said:
"It was a pleasure to meet with President Erdogan. Our talks centred on a range of topics. We discussed the possibility of a return of Formula 1 and WRC to Turkey.
"Istanbul Park is a modern circuit which is popular with drivers while the city of Istanbul is a thriving metropolis which would welcome a return of Formula 1 with open arms.
"President Erdogan also recognises the importance of the economic and cultural impact which world-class motorsport – Formula 1 and WRC – brings to the country.
"TOSFED, our Member Club in Turkey, have a wealth of experience in organising and managing major motorsport events. If the stars align, we could see a return of both world-class events to Turkey."
The meeting was hosted by the President of TOSFED (Turkish Automobile Sports Federation), Eren Uclertopragi, and Serkan Yazici, a former Turkish rally champion and FIA World Motor Sport Council member.