Turkey has joined Bahrain in the race to secure a grand prix and is making plans to build a F1 track.
Turkey is keen to host a grand prix and is hoping to build a suitable track within the next three years.
The FIA is keen to have a grand prix in the eastern Mediterranean or Middle East and Turkey hopes to boost its chances by building a track in Istanbul. Bahrain is currently looking at tenders to build its track in Sakhir soon. Cairo, Dubai and Beirut have been named as the other possible venues.
Turkish Automobile Federation chief Mumtaz Tahincioglu said they were working with the private sector to raise R480 million – the amount that would be necessary to build a track. “Formula One would bring economic advantages to Turkey,” he said.
Tahincioglu said he had already spoken to the FIA. “FIA looks on this project very warmly,” he said. “But somehow Turkey has not taken this project to heart. My aim is to take on this project and overcome all obstacles.” The Federation is also raising the R80 million guarantee for the plan to go ahead.
Tahincioglu did not think that Turkey’s ban on tobacco advertising would be a problem.
