As for the latest development in securing a new deal, head of Turkish Motorsport Association (TOSFED) finally managed to talk to Turkish prime minister explaining the situation. After this meeting, Tayyip Erdogan, prime minister, decided to set up a meeting with FOM and Ecclestone in London, date of which has not set in stone yet. This is the positive side of story.
Negative side is that Istanbul Park is being operated by Bernie Ecclestone and he will drop it by the termination of contract. So, whether or not the race is to continued to be held, Turkey must find an promoter/organizator who will be willing to spend at least 10 million dollars per year just to organize the event and track. That will be a headache to find.
After 2010 during which Istanbul was one of the European Capitals of Culture, now Istanbul will be the sole European Capital of Sports in 2012. So there is still hope to secure the agreement for 2012. Provided that a new promoter will be found, the government might want also to keep the event on the calender for political reasons as the general elections will be held in Turkey in the late 2011. So, it's also a political card to play.
What do you think about Turkish GP?
The situation over Turkish GP for 2012 and onwards
Started by
AvranaKern
, Feb 17 2011 11:50
65 replies to this topic
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#2
jcbc3
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Posted 17 February 2011 - 12:02
I have been to GP's in Belgium, Italy, Canada and Turkey and must say that Turkey has nothing to be ashamed of and lots to be proud of in the organisation of the GP (tough it would help if you got around to building that second bridge over the Bosphorus 
).
It is also one of the more interesting tracks and (seen from a purely egoistical view point) not overrun. So anything you can do to keep it would be fine by me.
).It is also one of the more interesting tracks and (seen from a purely egoistical view point) not overrun. So anything you can do to keep it would be fine by me.
#3
Sakae
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Posted 17 February 2011 - 13:41
I have voted NO.
Teams are talking economy, promoters are talking economy, taxpayers are talking economy, whereas FOM is not talking economy, and maybe they should. I am sort of pessimistic that would happend any time soon, but one day it will.
__________
I have to add my "NO"in this case is not related to unlimited spending, unrestricted regulations etc. which I am too advocating every opportunity I get. There is no contradiction in that, because I believe tems do adjust to circumstances and climate with their budgets. I am merely not so sure that FOM has done the same.
Teams are talking economy, promoters are talking economy, taxpayers are talking economy, whereas FOM is not talking economy, and maybe they should. I am sort of pessimistic that would happend any time soon, but one day it will.
__________
I have to add my "NO"in this case is not related to unlimited spending, unrestricted regulations etc. which I am too advocating every opportunity I get. There is no contradiction in that, because I believe tems do adjust to circumstances and climate with their budgets. I am merely not so sure that FOM has done the same.
Edited by Sakae, 17 February 2011 - 14:25.
#4
Atreiu
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Posted 17 February 2011 - 13:56
What do you think about Turkish GP?
I'd like it.
It's definitely one of the best Tilke-o-Domes and last years race was quite exciting.
Istambul is also a terrific city and I hope the do something about empty stands.
#5
ivand911
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Posted 17 February 2011 - 13:59
I like it. Going this year again.
#6
Fastcake
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Posted 17 February 2011 - 14:19
I certainly want it to stay, one of the best tracks we currently have. Just a shame all the indications are looking like the Grand Prix will not be around for much longer.
#7
AvranaKern
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 06:45
Well, it is emerged yesterday that Turkish GP will likely be scrapped from the calender. Turkey has been paying 13,5 million dollars to Bernie to hold the race. For the new contract, he wanted 26 million dollars, which Russian GP would be paying. Turkish government apperantly won't be paying this amount so I'm afraid this is it.
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http://translate.goo...n...d/25205445/
#8
peroa
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 06:50
A shame, Turkey is an awesome track.
#9
Bloggsworth
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 08:32
Almost every poll on this forum leaves out one vital option, in this case:
"Do you think that the Turkish owners of the circuit are right to resist a doubling of Bernie Ecclestone's fee in this time of recession?"
Perhaps if the Turks say no, other circuits will find the cojones to add their voice to a resistance movement. Ecclestone has done an amazing amount of good for Formula 1, but his dictatorial methods are, surely, now past their sell-by date. The FIA are forcing cost reductions on the teams and manufacturers and all the while Bernie is increasing his take from the sport. This is not a vote for Murdoch, he would be just as bad, we need the FIA & teams and only them to decide when and where GPs will take place.
"Do you think that the Turkish owners of the circuit are right to resist a doubling of Bernie Ecclestone's fee in this time of recession?"
Perhaps if the Turks say no, other circuits will find the cojones to add their voice to a resistance movement. Ecclestone has done an amazing amount of good for Formula 1, but his dictatorial methods are, surely, now past their sell-by date. The FIA are forcing cost reductions on the teams and manufacturers and all the while Bernie is increasing his take from the sport. This is not a vote for Murdoch, he would be just as bad, we need the FIA & teams and only them to decide when and where GPs will take place.
#10
D.M.N.
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 08:35
Joe Saward doesn't seem to care: http://joesaward.wor...is-not-weeping/
Although poor attendances have a lot to do with it, 36,000 for 2009 is a shockingly low number.
This year’s Turkish Grand Prix will be the last – and no-one in F1 circles is going to be complaining about that.
Although poor attendances have a lot to do with it, 36,000 for 2009 is a shockingly low number.
#11
Disgrace
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 09:06
Typical. Tilke saves one of his best tracks for the country that gives the least of a damn about hosting it.
#12
Frans
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 09:32
They should drop it. should have done that a while ago....
But Bernie eh..
But Bernie eh..
#13
marcoferrari
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 09:34
Istanbul Park is a great track and for me the best "Tilkedrom"... I will be happy, if Turkey stays in the racing calendar...
#14
bauss
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 09:36
Typical. Tilke saves one of his best tracks for the country that gives the least of a damn about hosting it.
yea shame
#15
ImDDAA
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 09:42
Sad, as has been said, Turkey is the best and perhaps the only good Tilke track.
#16
King Six
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 09:43
Doubling the price within a year from $13m to $26m is ridiculous though. Where's the justification? How much longer can this go on. To be honest 13/26 is cheap though, I bet the new GP's in Asia are paying 100m or something.
It would be nice to see a list of how much each GP is paying to host a race.
My answer to the poll would be NO, because you don't just take it up the arse like that whilst you're being shaken down.
It would be nice to see a list of how much each GP is paying to host a race.
My answer to the poll would be NO, because you don't just take it up the arse like that whilst you're being shaken down.
Edited by King Six, 22 April 2011 - 09:44.
#17
Racer3
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 10:01
I wonder whether there might be a re-assessment or re-evaluation of (some of) Tilke's tracks, given the new overtaking possibilities...perhaps the only good Tilke track
#18
mclarenshen
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 10:07
Sad, as has been said, Turkey is the best and perhaps the only good Tilke track.
It seems that you forget last week's race so soon. All tracks by Tilke are good.
#19
carbonfibre
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 10:08
The best new track that has been build in the last couple of years really.
It has such an amazing flow and provides really good races. It would be a huge shame if Bernie would kick this grandprix off the calender.
It has such an amazing flow and provides really good races. It would be a huge shame if Bernie would kick this grandprix off the calender.
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#20
One
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 10:10
Russia will replace Turkey in the calender.
#21
SeanValen
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 10:54
I don't care about the money aspect, whatever happens, The Turkey track is a fine accomplishment, a track that I think like Sepang, would just be on f1 for years and years, the turn 8, it's really fast and you can see a decent performance making a difference there. It's got some Spa like corners.
Fingers crossed for it, the contract of 6 years seems to have gone really quick.
Fingers crossed for it, the contract of 6 years seems to have gone really quick.
Edited by SeanValen, 22 April 2011 - 10:54.
#22
Frans
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 11:04
They probably build the track in the wrong country.
#23
SeanValen
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 11:06
They probably build the track in the wrong country.
I thought the same as well, back in 2006 though I suspected Turkey to be a big money pot for everyone.
#24
MadYarpen
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 11:09
Voted YES, this is a great track. Just get rid of Valencia instead...
#25
P123
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 11:09
Great track, but zero support for the race from locals.
#26
Brandz07
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 11:16
Make the same track in a larger country, it shouldn't be lost 
i love it.
i love it.
#27
Frans
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 11:18
hehe, Turkey is pretty big actually... the location is bad... It's practically next to Iraq.
#28
Brandz07
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 11:20
hehe, Turkey is pretty big actually... the location is bad... It's practically next to Iraq.
larger fan base i should of said
#29
BigWicks
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 11:48
Perhaps if the Turks say no, other circuits will find the cojones to add their voice to a resistance movement. Ecclestone has done an amazing amount of good for Formula 1, but his dictatorial methods are, surely, now past their sell-by date. The FIA are forcing cost reductions on the teams and manufacturers and all the while Bernie is increasing his take from the sport. This is not a vote for Murdoch, he would be just as bad, we need the FIA & teams and only them to decide when and where GPs will take place.
fingers crossed when CVC sell up in a couple of years all this nonsense will stop, a new owner will come in who won't have a massive debt to pay off and they can take a long term approach to this
#30
Dunder
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 12:14
Nice track. It would be a shame if the race was dropped.
Just looking at the attendance at the race over the last couple of years though and it is easy to see that the government would have to stump up a substantial subsidy.
Just looking at the attendance at the race over the last couple of years though and it is easy to see that the government would have to stump up a substantial subsidy.
#31
Fastcake
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 12:27
From what I gather, the raising of the fee is just to give the promotors an excuse to finally end the race. Let's face it, the Turkish Government doesn't want it, the local area doesn't care, there is nothing in Turkey for the teams and sponsors, virtually no spectators, it's just a shame a good track has all this against it. Saward summed it up pretty well on his blog, there's just nothing in the race for anyone.
#32
SeanValen
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 12:35
From what I gather, the raising of the fee is just to give the promotors an excuse to finally end the race. Let's face it, the Turkish Government doesn't want it, the local area doesn't care, there is nothing in Turkey for the teams and sponsors, virtually no spectators, it's just a shame a good track has all this against it. Saward summed it up pretty well on his blog, there's just nothing in the race for anyone.
I wish Tilke could of saved the design for another country, but then perhaps we wouldn't of cared. Turn 8 should be replicated in the future on some track. Only if you could transport a track like the statue of liberty.
#33
Fastcake
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 12:39
I think you may have forgotten that Turn 8 is being replicated in Austin... Surprisingly accurate simileI wish Tilke could of saved the design for another country, but then perhaps we wouldn't of cared. Turn 8 should be replicated in the future on some track. Only if you could transport a track like the statue of liberty.
#34
slmk
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 13:26
If Turkey goes (which is likely), then are they going to be looking at a replacement?
I liked Turkey but the empty seats and the lack of fan support is appalling. Either they cough up the dough or they lose it. Tough luck.
I liked Turkey but the empty seats and the lack of fan support is appalling. Either they cough up the dough or they lose it. Tough luck.
Edited by slmk, 22 April 2011 - 13:27.
#35
Henrytheeigth
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 13:31
hehe, Turkey is pretty big actually... the location is bad... It's practically next to Iraq.
Allied soldiers can't attend the gp's? Would increase the crowd somewhat...
All Allied military personell even lol
Edited by Henrytheeigth, 22 April 2011 - 13:33.
#36
pingu666
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 13:40
shame, i really like the track
#37
AvranaKern
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 13:45
Fan base is there. If anything, there hasn't been any promotional activity before the grand prix to attract the crowd. Practically nothing except the first race. Until 2010, sponsors managed to organize some events for fans but last year we didn't even have a title sponsor for the race. This year DHL will sponsor the race and I hope a decent crowd will be there (including me obviously), but I don't think that will make a big difference.
Let's face it. No one in Turkey cares if a grand prix will be run in Turkey, but a few. Doubling the fee is not fair, yes, but Turkish government will use this as an excuse for dropping. Shame. I don't care which country hosts which race even the country in concern is mine. However it will be a shame no to have a race on such a circuit.
Let's face it. No one in Turkey cares if a grand prix will be run in Turkey, but a few. Doubling the fee is not fair, yes, but Turkish government will use this as an excuse for dropping. Shame. I don't care which country hosts which race even the country in concern is mine. However it will be a shame no to have a race on such a circuit.
#38
Brandz07
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 13:46
It's a shame we lose great tracks like this and keep complete crap like valencia.
#39
ManiaMuse
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 13:56
Texas will have turn 8 in reverse so it's not all bad news...
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#40
weston
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 14:34
Allied soldiers can't attend the gp's? Would increase the crowd somewhat...
All Allied military personell even lol
I think so. They could even drink Churchill's favorite Whiskey there.
(Adding: Turkey is member of NATO, so bier is available as well.)
Edited by weston, 22 April 2011 - 14:38.
#41
Mc_Silver
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 15:05
Istanbul Park is a great circuit, i hope it will stay for many years but Turkish goverment must make much more advertisement to take the attention of the people. Billboards are still empty!
#42
Scudetto
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 16:20
Headline: "Bernie Drops Turkey...Feathers Everywhere."
Sorry.
Sorry.
#43
Frans
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 19:46
It's the Bernie-way of saying "bye bye". Nothing much else...
#44
ImDDAA
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 19:59
It seems that you forget last week's race so soon. All tracks by Tilke are good.
I had a good race in a car park once.
#45
Brandz07
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 20:00
It seems that you forget last week's race so soon. All tracks by Tilke are good.
Valencia? Abu Dhabi? Did you really just say that
#46
LewEngBridewell
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 20:13
I love the Istanbul Park circuit. Definately one of Tilke's best. I will miss it if it gets dropped. 
#47
LewEngBridewell
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 20:17
I had a good race in a car park once.
Most of Tilke's tracks are good. Valencia and Abu Dhabi have been the problematic ones. The latter is meant to be having some amendments made to aid overtaking, so that should hopefully do the trick. They've removed that silly loop from Bahrain which is also good.
As for Sepang, Shanghai, Istanbul Park, Singapore and Korea - I think they're all great.
Edited by LewEngBridewell, 22 April 2011 - 20:18.
#48
ImDDAA
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 20:18
Most of Tilke's tracks are good. Valencia and Abu Dhabi have been the problematic ones. The latter is meant to be having some amendments made to aid overtaking, so that should hopefully do the trick. They've removed that silly loop from Bahrain which is also good.
As for Sepang, Shanghai, Istanbul Park, Singapore and Korea - I think they're all great.
I disagree but fair enough.
#49
LewEngBridewell
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 20:23
I disagree but fair enough.
Do you not like any of them?
#50
Brandz07
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Posted 22 April 2011 - 20:30
Do you not like any of them?
Sepang and Shanghai are too similar to be honest. Korea is a decent track I'll agree, even if it's only had one race. Istanbul is a class track. Singapore is pretty pants tbh.
Overall there's too many similar corners on his tracks, whether that's Tilke's fault or the regulations he has to work with from the FIA, is another matter.
Edited by Brandz07, 22 April 2011 - 20:32.
