The Turkish Grand Prix could make a return in the 2018 season, as a reported agreement between the sport’s owners and circuit owners has been reached. No contract has been signed at the moment, although Formula One CEO Chase Carey has already met with the country’s president.
The Intercity Istanbul Park was built in 2004 and made its Formula One appearance in the 2005 season, hosting that year’s Turkish Grand Prix. The event was held at the venue for seven years, but disappeared from the calendar after the 2011 season, having hit a financial bump. The government had pulled funding for the event.
After the circuit disappeared from the calendar, Vural Ak purchased an 11-year lease for the circuit. Ak sat down with Bernie Ecclestone in an attempt to return the schedule, but Ecclestone’s rates were far too high for the recovering circuit.
Chase Carey recently met with the president of Turkey, Ak and several heads of government agencies. Although an official deal has yet to have been confirmed and no contract has been signed, it has been reported that there was some agreement about contract terms that would be involved with the deal.
The Turkish Grand Prix could return to Formula One in the 2018 season. There are already 21 races planned for that season, with the Malaysian Grand Prix leaving after this year, but France and Germany returning to the schedule. Adding the Turkish Grand Prix to the schedule would make a season of 22 races, the biggest calendar in the sport’s history.
