FIA holds discussions with Turkish president over GP return

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has discussed a potential return of the Turkish Grand Prix with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

During talks on motorsport in Turkey, including the World Rally Championship, the two discussed a full-time return for the Grand Prix, which first debuted in 2005.

The race fell off the calendar after the 2011 season, but made a return in the COVID-19 hit seasons of 2020 and 2021, with Lewis Hamilton winning his seventh world title in the former.

Despite the talks between Ben Sulayem and Erdogan, any decision over whether to make a return to the Istanbul Park circuit will be made by Formula 1 itself, as the commercial rights holder.

"It was a pleasure to meet with President Erdogan. Our talks centred on a range of topics. We discussed the possibility of a return of Formula 1 and WRC to Turkey," read a statement from Ben Sulayem.

"Istanbul Park is a modern circuit which is popular with drivers while the city of Istanbul is a thriving metropolis which would welcome a return of Formula 1 with open arms.

"President Erdogan also recognises the importance of the economic and cultural impact which world-class motorsport – Formula 1 and WRC – brings to the country.

"TOSFED, our Member Club in Turkey, have a wealth of experience in organising and managing major motorsport events. If the stars align, we could see a return of both world-class events to Turkey."

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