InterCity, the current owners of Istanbul Park, are “overjoyed” to have secured the return of the Turkish Grand Prix later this year.
On Tuesday, Formula 1 revealed the final 17-race schedule for 2020, which includes five venues that were not part of the original 22-race calendar (Mugello, Nurburgring, Portimao, Imola and Istanbul).
Turkey’s comeback, for one season at least, marks the end of a nine-year absence for one of the most popular circuits to be designed by Hermann Tilke, and the conclusion of a long effort by InterCity to ensure it is back where it belongs.
“We are both delighted and proud to announce that we are bringing Formula 1, the world’s biggest motorsport events, back to Turkey,” said Intercity Chairman Vural Ak via Motorsport Week.
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“Ever since 2013, when we took over management of Intercity Istanbul Park, one of the most extraordinary tracks in the world, we have been striving to reintroduce Formula 1 to Turkey.
“We are overjoyed for our country that our efforts have been successful.
“During that time, we have been taking meticulous care of Intercity Istanbul Park and we are extremely excited by the prospect of preparing the venue for Formula 1.”
A sticking point during the original seven-year stint on the calendar, and the reason the race was ultimately dropped, was hosting fees, as Bernie Ecclestone regularly tried to hike the price.
However, in this deal, InterCity says it will assume all the costs of the race rather than asking the government.
“In signing the contract, we as Intercity pledged to undertake all obligations ourselves,” Ak continued.
“Given the great challenges currently facing the world and Turkey, it was crucial that, while endeavouring to bring Formula 1 back to Turkey, we did not place any burden on our state.
“Throughout the project, however, we felt the constant support of our state, and for this we would like to express our gratitude to everyone who has assisted.”