Turkey wants to return in 2012
The Turkish Grand Prix is not expected to be on the schedule for the next 2012 season, but GP officials hope to change Bernie Ecclestone's mind to bring the event back to the calendar.
During the last Hungarian weekend, Bernie Ecclestone unveiled the future calendar for the 2012 season, and the Formula 1 boss disappointed some as Turkey will likely lose its GP. The contract linking Turkey to F1 ends in 2011, and for the Turks, it will be necessary to find a solution quickly since the Istanbul circuit is not very active outside of F1.
Currently, Ferruh Gundogan, the director of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, remains optimistic, hoping for an agreement to keep Turkey on the calendar next year. However, he is aware that no agreement has been reached and that it is highly likely the Turkish GP will not take place.
To prove Turkey’s love for the premier category, he even called on government authorities as he explains: « I did everything to inform the Turkish government and the public about the importance of F1. We share the same goals, sports authorities are in close contact with the Ministry of Sports and place great value on F1.»
For the record, it was Kimi Räikkönen who won the first Turkish Grand Prix in 2005, while Sebastian Vettel won the most recent one in April 2011. It might take a few years to learn who will be their successor.
