20 replies to this topic

[SirT]

http://www1.skysport.../12433/8308858/

I would be delighted with that. One of the very best tracks, such a shame it was dropped.

[wrcva]

Yes, it is a nice track. Cool turn 8. I wonder if he will discount the hosting fee as he needs another race in the calendar. Since he mentioned it, it might be is a good sign.

[Deluxx]

I Love turn 8-11.

Way better than magny cours imo......

[Kelateboy]

Yes, it is a nice track. Cool turn 8. I wonder if he will discount the hosting fee as he needs another race in the calendar. Since he mentioned it, it might be is a good sign.

The only 4-apex corner on the whole F1 calendar.

I love to see Turkey back on the calendar, but the circuit is in the middle of nowhere, and the attendance was pitiful.

[noikeee]

As everyone has said a billion times before, it's the right track on the wrong place.

[EvanRainer]

Turkey really is great both to race and watch.

The only section I don't like is the slightly "micky-mouse" turns 3-4-5 part.

[tifosiMac]

A nice track layout in a soulless landscape IMO.

The place is dead with virtually no atmosphere and I'd rather it go to a country that appreciates racing.

[Mc_Silver]

It is very likely that Istanbul Park will be back on the calendar in 2013. It is expected to be announced on Friday in FIA Gala

Edited by Mc_Silver, 05 December 2012 - 22:22.

[wrcva]

Ak, the chairman of Turkey's largest car rental company, is reported to have agreed a deal that will see him pay the circuit operator $9 million a year in rent and is eager to see the venue earn its place back on the F1 schedule.

“Mr Ecclestone is looking at a seven-year contract," Ak was quoted as telling the media on announcing the deal. "He told me he wanted $26 million to put on the race [in the first year], but said he was willing to make a little sacrifice from that figure. I will put in $5 million out of my own pocket – I am not thinking in terms of making a lot of money here. The government will contribute $13.5 million. Therefore we will be stuck somewhere in the middle.

“We are hoping to have a positive decision from Mr Ecclestone next week. I have guaranteed him a minimum 50,000 spectators on race day, but I expect about 80,000.

source

[olliek88]

A nice track layout in a soulless landscape IMO.

The place is dead with virtually no atmosphere and I'd rather it go to a country that appreciates racing.

Have you been then?

[BetaVersion]

I would be delighted with that. One of the very best tracks, such a shame it was dropped.

As everyone has said a billion times before, it's the right track on the wrong place.

[Tsarwash]

I just looked at a map and it's only in the middle of nowhere if you think that Istanbul is in the middle of nowhere. It's no more than 15 miles from Istanbul city centre. The Korean race is in the middle of bloody nowhere, four hundred miles from Seoul, next to a small city that nobody has ever heard of.

[wrcva]

I just looked at a map and it's only in the middle of nowhere if you think that Istanbul is in the middle of nowhere. It's no more than 15 miles from Istanbul city centre. The Korean race is in the middle of bloody nowhere, four hundred miles from Seoul, next to a small city that nobody has ever heard of.

You are right, looks like it is only 46 Km from where the FIA gala is taking place. gmap link A) FIA gala B) Istanbul park

[Kelateboy]

I just looked at a map and it's only in the middle of nowhere if you think that Istanbul is in the middle of nowhere. It's no more than 15 miles from Istanbul city centre. The Korean race is in the middle of bloody nowhere, four hundred miles from Seoul, next to a small city that nobody has ever heard of.

I think what separates Istanbul Park to other circuits built a distance from the town center is the ease to get public transportation system for F1 tourists. But still, the locals should not be too affected by the non-availability of public transportation system in Istanbul to the F1 circuit. So the fact that it did not attract too much local following is quite a surprise.

I have been to 3 GPs - all in Asia. In my home country, Sepang is a distance away from the capital city Kuala Lumpur. But during the F1 weekend, the promoters have direct buses from the city centre to the circuits, or from the International Airport/Low Cost Terminal to the circuit. In Shanghai eventhough SIC is some 25km or so from Shanghai, it was easy to use their train to get to the circuit. In Singapore, it was held in the city centre so that was not an issue.

[tifosiMac]

Have you been then?

Yeah, you?

[wj_gibson]

f they're looking at a multi-year deal, then presumably some other race has to drop off the calendar in the future if the ida is to stick to 20 races per season (given that Sochi and New Jersey are going to be added in the near future). Korea, perhaps?

[Anja]

Didn't they sign a new deal for Korean GP not so long ago? The future doesn't look very bright for German GP, although it would be hard to imagine not having one.

[athlon]

A1 Ring would be welcomed too.

[KateLM]

Say what you like about Valencia, at least it had a crowd. If Turkey still can't attract spectators then what's changed since they dropped it?

[BRG]

Well, that story did not last long, did it? No funding for the race, so no race?

Edited by BRG, 06 December 2012 - 22:56.

[ivand911]

Government is not so stupid to feed Bernie with $13.5 million. And there is not much interest in F1 in Turkey. It was beautiful GP to visit. Well organized race and great track.

Edited by ivand911, 07 December 2012 - 13:14.