Bernie Ecclestone is heading to Istanbul this week to begin negotiations which could see Turkey return to the calendar for 2013.
The Turkish Grand Prix, held at the Istanbul Park circuit, was dropped from the 2012 calendar after the re-introduction of the United States race in Austin which took its place on a record 20-race roster.
However the New Jersey GP, which had previously been earmarked for a 2013 debut, was recently delayed until 2014 therefore opening up a slot in the calendar.
It’s believed Ecclestone is keen to negotiate a 20th round of the championship.
Whilst the return of a French GP had been on the cards, the necessary funding couldn’t be raised at either Paul Ricard or Magny Cours.
Therefore Ecclestone has turned to an offer made by local businessman Vural Ak who recently purchased an 11-year lease on the Instanbul Park circuit and has offered up $5 million in funding, alongside $13.5m from the local government, to host Formula 1 once again.
Ecclestone will meet with the organisers this week to negotiate a return, however it’s believed he is wanting upwards of $26m.
