Return of F1’s Turkish Grand Prix on the Cards as Mohammed Ben Sulayem Makes Big Revelation

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem held talks with President Tayyip Erdogan, hinting that a return of the Turkish Grand Prix to F1 is possible. In 2022, it was reported that the Istanbul circuit had joined Portimao as a contender to be added to the 2023 F1 calendar. Turkey’s last appearance was in the 2021 F1 season, yet the wild qualifying session in Istanbul has recently remained a standout memory for the venue.

The FIA president’s statements have created anticipation, highlighting the tangible prospect of F1 and WRC returning to Turkey. This has stirred excitement among fans, as it emerges as a potential track. But, there are no confirmations yet.

Turkish Grand Prix set to be revived by Mohammed Ben Sulayem

On Sunday, Ben Sulayem met President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Marmaris, a resort town. During their meeting, they discussed the potential comeback of both F1 and the WRC to Turkey. The event was hosted by former Turkish rally champion and FIA World Motor Sport Council member Serkan Yazici and Eren Uclertopragi, presidents of TOSFED and the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation.

During the discussions, Ben Sulayem said, as reported by Motorsports.com, “It was a pleasure meeting President Erdogan. Our talks centred on a range of topics. We discussed the possibility of a return of Formula 1 and WRC to Turkey.”

Turkey staged an F1 race at the Istanbul Park circuit from 2005 to 2011, returning to the schedule in 2020 and 2021 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The owners of Istanbul Park proactively attempted to negotiate a new race contract, aligned with the FIA’s willingness to bring Turkey back into the F1 schedule. Besides, the lease contract of the current leaseholder, Intercity, has lapsed, prompting the General Directorate of the Foundation to issue a new call for tenders.

However, President Erdogan agrees with Ben Sulayem on the economic benefits and cultural impact that F1 can bring to the country. Yet, there are no updates on concrete plans. Therefore, Turkey was chosen as the venue for an F1 track thanks to the pandemic outbreak affecting the China Grand Prix.

Why Turkey was chosen as a potential circuit for the F1 season 2023?

In 2022, the Chinese Grand Prix was canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak in China. Consequently, Turkey’s Istanbul circuit was added alongside Portimao as a contender to join the 2023 F1 calendar. Despite early hopes of being selected, F1 has ultimately concluded that the Chinese Grand Prix will be held at the Shanghai International Circuit until 2026. Nevertheless, reports emerged indicating that other venues are in negotiations with F1 regarding potential inclusion on the calendar for the upcoming season.

Initially, Portugal’s Portimao Circuit was among the venues that received significant recognition as a potential contender in the media. However, as per the Portugal News, Istanbul had also appeared as a potential contender. Turkey most recently featured in the 2021 F1 season.

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Thus, nothing has been finalized yet. Are you rooting for Turkey to return next season? Share your thoughts!