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Istanbul is in with a strong chance of returning to the Formula 1 calendar after all as the championship closes is on a finalised 2020 schedule.
Speculation about Istanbul’s return to the calendar was said to be wide of the mark only last month, as F1 denied negotiations were taking place, and the state of the circuit was unknown given it has not hosted major events for many years, with F1 having last raced there in 2011.
It also has no FIA grading, and requires a Grade 1 licence to host F1.
However, the indication that no negotiations had taken place was swiftly followed by an emphatic statement from the circuit insisting that it was in talks with Liberty.
It is understood that Istanbul was not considered a serious option like the first tranche of stand-in races – Imola and Mugello, for example – were but circuit officials kept in contact with F1.
And with the situation in Asia not looking compatible with a race in Vietnam or China, F1 has been forced to seek further alternatives.
Though F1 is yet to confirm it will not race in Asia this year, that is understood to be all but guaranteed.
As such, negotiations with Istanbul have progressed – and the circuit is considered to be in decent condition – while Jerez has also been linked, although this is not yet thought to be as likely.
F1 and the FIA have avoided comment on potential new venues, with FIA race director Michael Masi evading the question when asked directly about whether Istanbul or Jerez have been inspected.
“From an FIA perspective we inspect a number of circuits regularly at the request of the ASNs,” he said. “And continue to do so.
“That’s something that’s between the FIA and the ASN that requests.”
In a different interview, with Sky Sports F1, Masi did say that the calendar was “imminently being finalised” and said there “might be a couple of surprises, and something we’re probably used to as well”.
This could mean Istanbul, potentially two races in Bahrain as mooted, and the expected season finale in Abu Dhabi will complete November and December – though Jerez is not to be discounted.
It means F1 is likely to clear its target of at least 16 races, having scrambled to rebuild the calendar once the coronavirus pandemic wrought havoc on the original record 22-race schedule.
The potential return of Istanbul has been welcomed by paddock figures as the circuit is remembered fondly from its first stint on the calendar.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said: “I was in Turkey, the last time maybe 10 years ago I remember the famous quadruple corner. It was awesome to see the cars there.
“Since then I haven’t been in Turkey, so if the commercial rights holder decides to go there and it’s beneficial for us then we’ll do the trip to the Bosporus.”
Red Bull driver Alex Albon believes the quadruple-apex Turn 8 will be “easy flat…possibly on the outlap”.
“It looks really cool,” he said. “I’m excited, I think Liberty and Formula 1 are doing an amazing job of choosing these kinds of circuits.
“I don’t know if it’s coincidence or if they’re just choosing them because they’re the ones that are open to races.
“Obviously Mugello, Imola, Turkey, we’re going to some of the best circuits in the world. So I’m all for it.”
Masi will visit the Algarve circuit in Portugal this week and has already inspected Mugello and Imola to advise on necessary improvements for safety reasons.
The FIA will need to inspect Istanbul and grant it the necessary licence in order for F1 to return there.
“It’s exciting to see the calendar evolving,” said Masi. “It’s certainly been a challenge.
“The FIA and F1 have been working hard to get the maximum number of events in. We’re doing the best we can in the situation.”
