Turkey To Make A Comeback On The F1 Calendar As Early As '13

F1 "could celebrate its return to Istanbul, Turkey as early as '13," according to Roman Wittemeier of MOTORSPORT TOTAL. Motorsports governing body FIA is hosting its annual general assembly from Monday-Friday at the European-Asian metropolis. There, FIA will adopt a final version of the '13 F1 calendar. It would be "the perfect occasion to announce F1's return to the Istanbul Park Circuit." The racetrack played host to seven F1 races between '05-11 and has since its last race changed ownership. The Intercity Auto Rental Company has become the new owner of the circuit. Company Owner Vural Ak is confident that F1 will soon return to Istanbul. He said, "I've personally known [F1 CEO] Bernie Ecclestone for several years. He promised to reduce his demand of $26M per year. The government would contribute $13.5M, and I would use $5M of my private money, with the result that we could pay about $20M a year." Ecclestone said, "We will discus this issue with the appropriate people. We very much would like to return to Turkey" (MOTORSPORT TOTAL, 11/30).