FIA hint at earlier-than-planned return for grand prix favourite

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has indicated that the Turkish Grand Prix could be added to this year's calendar if Bahrain or Saudi Arabia cannot be accommodated on the schedule.

RacingNews365 outlined the possibilities for F1 and the FIA this season after the sport cancelled its Middle East double-header last month due to the war in the region and attacks by neighbouring Iran.

One option under review is for Bahrain or Saudi Arabia to slot into the gap between Azerbaijan and Singapore on October 2-4. Also being considered is a quadruple header at the end, and the season finishing a week later on December 13.

Should the war continue, and there is no possibility of either Bahrain or Saudi Arabia returning to the schedule, Ben Sualyem has suggested that F1 may head to Istanbul earlier than expected.

F1 recently confirmed that after a six-year absence, the Turkish GP would return next season with a five-year contract through to 2031.

Assessing the options available this season for the sport and the governing body, speaking to a select group of media, including RacingNews365, Ben Sulayem said: "Around Qatar, you could delay one week, push everything.

"If not, then maybe we could have Turkey this year if it finishes its homologation, and the rest of their needs.

"Logistically, [it's a case of] what's the best scenario? We're consulting with the promoters. It's about where we want to go, and we will try to facilitate, but not without putting stress on our staff. That would be too much."

Ben Sulayem has conceded that, at this stage, with the war ongoing, the end-of-season races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi cannot be guaranteed.

"There is a bigger issue than just motorsport," he said. "It is the way we live, it's the changes, it's the stress in that area.

"If we talk about the leadership there, as a government, how they handled it, not to retaliate, was very wise. It takes strength not to do this.

"Sport can wait. What is more important? Humans or motorsport? Or any sport? Humans are always the priority.

"Hopefully, it will be over soon, so that we can go back to normal and not live in the way that we are living, with this stress.

"God forbid, if it goes on to October, November, we'll just have to not go because security and safety come first."