Turkish Grand Prix set to return

Recent reports have suggested that the Turkish Grand Prix around the Istanbul Park circuit could be poised to make a return to the Formula 1 calendar, with F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone and circuit owners Intercity Auto Rental Company allegedly close to confirming the nations return to the F1 calendar.

The new deal, which could be announced as soon as next week during the FIA Summit at Istanbul, could potentially see the nation return with a seven-year-deal. Turkey first held a Formula 1 race back in 2005, a race which was won by the McLaren of Kimi Raikkonen. The race ran until 2011, when Bernie Ecclestone announced a hike in the fees for hosting an event, which effectively sparked the end of Turkey as a host of a Formula 1 event.

However, with Bernie Ecclestone striving to find a location for one more race next season, the 82-year-old seems extremely interested in entering negotiations with circuit owners Intercity Auto Rental Company. Mr. Ecclestone initially wanted the French Grand Prix to make a return next season, however with such a race ruled out for 2013, could Turkey fill the one-race void which is currently plaguing the Formula 1 calendar.

“I personally know Bernie Ecclestone for many years.” Explained Intercity Auto Rental Company boss Vural Rk to GoCar.gr, “We presented our projects for Istanbul Park to him and he was impressed. He promised to decrease his 26mUSD demand. The Turkish state will pay 13.5mUSD and I will pay 5mUSD from my personal budget, so we will finish a deal at nearly 20mUSD per year. Bernie’s biggest problem was lack of audience, we guaranteed 50,000 spectators. We want to make a 7-year-deal for Turkish GP.”

Bernie Ecclestone has confirmed he would be happy to discuss the return of the Turkish Grand Prix with the track owners, however it is as of yet unconfirmed whether or not the race would make a return in 2013 or 2014. The Istanbul Park circuit is widely regarded as one of the best modern circuits designed by Hermann Tilke, with Turn 8 one of most daunting corners in Formula 1. It is unquestionable that the return of the venue would be well received within the F1 fraternity, especially Felipe Massa who remains the only driver to have won the race on more than one occasion.

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