P1racenews AI automatic summary:
A tender process to take ownership of the Istanbul Park circuit could set the stage for a Turkish Grand Prix
Istanbul debuted in F1 in 2005 and had races annually until 2011, but then dropped off due to financial reasons. The track made a temporary return in 2020 and 2021 due to complications from the Covid pandemic. There are plans for a change in ownership, with a bid to bring F1 racing back to Istanbul permanently. The current leaseholders, Intercity, will not extend beyond this year, and a new 30-year lease is being sought for around €110 million. The new leaseholder will have to modernize the facility and secure a slot on the 2026 F1 calendar within a specified timeline. Istanbul could potentially compete for a slot on the 2026 calendar with several other circuits with expiring contracts in 2025.
