New development regarding Istanbul Park!

The operation of Istanbul Park has officially passed to the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED). In a statement made at a press conference held at the track, TOSFED President Eren Üçlertoprağı said, "Istanbul Park will now be managed by TOSFED. We will return to the center of the sport, and the track will become open to the public."

The track, which cost approximately 160 million dollars and had its foundation laid in 2003, was vacated after the Council of State upheld the eviction decision against the company of the last tenant, Lale Cander. The management of the track, which was expected to be transferred from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, was handed over to TOSFED by the decision of the Ministry of Sports.

RESTRUCTURING PROCESS BEGINS

Üçlertoprağı announced that a comprehensive renovation process will be initiated at the track in the first stage. Pointing out that the track infrastructure has been neglected for years, Üçlertoprağı said, "We will start with survey studies. Our goal is to organize racing events in all branches and make the infrastructure suitable for international races."

Emphasizing that the track, which was previously accessible only to certain groups, will now be open to the entire public, Üçlertoprağı stated, "With an approach far removed from commercial concerns, we will open the track days to the public in a sustainable manner. Previously, access for some names was blocked by blacklists that had been created; we are putting an end to this mentality."

Other projects that TOSFED plans to carry out at the track include youth activities, joint organizations with automotive companies, and the construction of a karting track at international standards.

The TOSFED President also announced that efforts are underway for Turkey to re-enter the Formula 1 calendar. Reminding that the 2026 calendar has been announced, Üçlertoprağı said, "Madrid needs to complete its track construction to be included in the calendar. We are offering a permanent and sustainable solution. We have notified the Formula 1 management of our desire to host races."

Explaining that sponsorship negotiations are ongoing to cover the operating costs of the track, Üçlertoprağı stated that they will open up to the automotive sector. "We opened our Körfez Track to Togg for free. We will show the same approach at Istanbul Park. This track is not just a racing area, but will also be a laboratory for the development of the Turkish automotive industry," he said.

PREVIOUS TENDER VOIDED BY COUNCIL OF STATE DECISION

Stating that the previous tender for the operation of the track was canceled by the Council of State as a result of a lawsuit filed by the former tenant, Üçlertoprağı said, "The Ministry did not cancel the tender; the tender became invalid as a result of the judicial process. Thus, we will now proceed with a completely sports-oriented approach at the track."

TOSFED currently also operates the Körfez Track in İzmit. İzmir Ülkü Park, one of Turkey's three largest tracks, was closed last year.  

News Source: 12punto