Turkey’s government is showing “strong commitment” to ensure the Turkish Grand Prix makes a long-term return to the Formula 1 calendar.
The Istanbul Park circuit hosted the event between 2005 and 2011, making a brief return during the Covid-affected 2020 and ’21 campaigns.
Funding problems caused the event to disappear initially, but has recently found a lifeline in the shape of new ownership.
The Turkish Automobile Sports Federation – TOSFED – has recently acquired the circuit, and its president, Eren Uclertopragi, has its intentions clear.
“There is a strong commitment from the government to bring Turkey back into the Formula 1 calendar with a permanent and long-term agreement,” he said.
Uclertopragi added that it is ready to host a Grand Prix as early as next year, with the ‘Madring’ street circuit, due to stage the Madrid Grand Prix in 13 months’ time, yet to be constructed.
“As is known, the 2026 calendar has already been announced. Nevertheless, in the event that a race cannot be held for various reasons, we could host the Turkish Grand Prix,” he said.
“However, unlike during the pandemic, we do not want to host a one-off replacement race; instead, we aim to secure a place on the calendar through a long-term contract.”
TOSFED’s new ownership of Istanbul Park gives ‘great advantage’ for futue F1 hosting
Uclertopgragi is confident that the circuit can host a Grand Prix again, revealing that the country’s government is providing serious backing to the project.
“We are currently receiving significant support and encouragement from our government,” he said. “All payments and procedures related to the race will be completed under state guarantee.
“At this point, the fact that we, as the federation, have taken over the management of Istanbul Park gives us a great advantage.
“In addition to assuming the responsibilities of both the promoter and the national sporting authority recognised by the FIA, the fact that the race is supported by the full force of our government will enable us to organise a very smooth event.
“We do not have the perspective of competing with any other country.
“Turkey still has a very popular and unique track, a population of 85 million, great interest in the sport among young people, a market where more than 1.2 million cars are sold annually, factories or major distributors of most F1 car brands located here, and a geopolitical position.”
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