Turkey pull out all the stops for a permanent place on the F1 calendar

As of 2005, F1 came to the Istanbul Park seven times in Turkey. Due to the overhauled 2020 calendar, the eighth time will be added this year. The organization seizes the opportunity to prove that they deserve a permanent place on the calendar.

Turkish GP aiming for a permanent place

In 2012 Formula 1 was no longer profitable for the Turkish GP. At the time, they could still register for half the applicable rates in consultation with Bernie Ecclestone.

Now that F1 have visited the Turkish circuit again due to the coronavirus calendar reshuffle, there seem to be opportunities again for a permanent place on the calendar. “This is a great opportunity for us. The government is keen to sign a new, long-term contract," said Dr Fevzi Cevik, the press officer at Istanbul Park in a conversation with Formula1.nl. 

Cevik thinks 2021 will turn out to be about the same as 2020 with the 23 races planned so far. "If that is the case, we hope for Formula 1 again next year," said the press officer who sees this weekend's race as a test for the future.

“We have the whole package: a great circuit, good infrastructure and a beautiful city. There is no one on the circuit who does not belong there. You don't see them, but if something happens, a thousand commands are on the spot within a minute. ”