Towards a return of the Turkish Grand Prix in 2018?

A meeting took place yesterday between Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Formula One Group director Chase Carey, in the presence of Istanbul circuit promoter Vural Ak as well as the Minister of Youth and Sports Akif Cagatay Kilic. The discussions were centered around a potential return of the Turkish Grand Prix to the calendar for 2018. The Istanbul Park circuit, designed by Hermann Tilke, hosted Formula 1 between 2005 and 2011.

The only information regarding the content of the discussions comes from the director of the Istanbul circuit, Vural Ak, who stated after the meeting: “We had a meeting in Ankara earlier today (Tuesday) with the president (Erdogan) and Chase Carey from Liberty Media, whom I had previously personally invited to Turkey. All I can say at this stage is that the meetings went well and we have reached an agreement in principle. Although no contract has been signed yet.”

Vural Ak is the man who, five years earlier, had signed a lease-purchase contract for the track with representatives of the Turkish government for an amount of 235 million Euros. In 2013, Ak had attempted to reach an agreement with Bernie Ecclestone, but the Briton had demanded 26 million Euros in registration fees for the first year, which had prevented any agreement from being concluded.

The circuit located in the country’s second city was very popular with spectators and drivers, featuring its left-hand Turn 8, which had the reputation of being one of the most challenging corners of the year. Financial difficulties put an end to the event in 2011 after six editions.

Although nothing is signed yet, this could replace the Malaysian Grand Prix, which will be held for the last time this year, as announced a few days ago. If the news is confirmed, the 2018 season calendar could feature 22 races with the return of the French and German Grand Prix.