Istanbul in bad shape

The Turkish Grand Prix is ​​close to offering its final race Formula 1 in 2010. The difficult Bernie Ecclestone, convinced of always being able to demand more from race promoters, raised the demands of FOM (Formula One Management) with regard to Istanbul Park. To host Formula 1 beyond 2010, Turkey will have to provide 26 million dollars per season, instead of the current 13,5 million.

« In countries like France or Germany, F1 management only asks for something between $1,5 million and $4 million per year an official told Hurriyet Daily News. But, if the countries of Western Europe have an anchor allowing them not to benefit from the same prices, the lack of interest in F1 seems to be spreading to Turkey. After a spectacular turnout at the start of the Turkish GP, the deserted stands of 2009 (30 spectators on the day of the race) did not work in favor of maintaining the race. Above all, according to Bernie Ecclestone, countries wishing to host F000 are ready to put 1 million dollars on the table per year.

After Canada and Great Britain, who had to negotiate for a long time before securing the future of their Grand Prix, Turkey will also have to look for investors, otherwise it would see Formula 1 leave for other horizons.