Turkey ends Formula 1 exile as 17-race calendar now finalised

F1 2020

Turkey ends Formula 1 exile as 17-race calendar now finalised

Istanbul Park last staged F1 in 2011

Ian Parkes

Tuesday 25 August 2020 13:04 Updated: 13:19

The Turkish Grand Prix is to make its Formula 1 return this season for the first time since 2011 as part of a finalised 17-race calendar.

The Istanbul Park circuit, popular with the F1 drivers, staged the last of its seven races in 2011 before financial difficulties forced a move away.

Subject to circuit homologation, Turkey slots into the calendar on November 15 before the season concludes with the expected triple-header in the Middle East, with Bahrain hosting back-to-back events on November 29 and December 6, with the traditional curtain-closer in Abu Dhabi on December 13.

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It was initially understood talks between F1 and bosses at Istanbul Park, now run by car rental firm Intercity, had come too late for the track to make a return, while the weather in mid-November was also believed to be a negative factor.

Negotiations, however, have managed to swiftly reach a conclusion, while the inclement climate in Istanbul at that time of the year will now add to a potentially lively return.

CEO Chase Carey said: "“We are proud to announce that Turkey, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi will be part of our 2020 season.

"This year has presented Formula 1 and the world with an unprecedented challenge and we want to pay tribute to everyone across Formula 1, the FIA, the teams, and our partners who have made this possible.

"While we are all disappointed that we have not been able to return to some of our planned races this year we are confident our season has started well and will continue to deliver plenty of excitement with traditional, as well as new races that will entertain all our fans.”

Hopes had been high of Vietnam staging its maiden race around the Hanoi street circuit after it was postponed earlier in this year, but it will now have to wait until next year to make its debut.

The Chinese Grand Prix has been officially cancelled for this year. A statement from F1 added: "Sadly, we will not be racing in China this season and want to thank our partner Juss Sports for their support and engagement in recent months and hugely look forward to returning to Shanghai next year."

F1 has again confirmed its intention to host races later in the year with a limited number of fans in attendance.

The statement added: "We can confirm that a number of races in the revised 2020 season will be open to a limited number of fans, including hospitality, and we are working with each promoter to finalise the details.

"While we want to see as many fans as possible return as soon as it is safe to do so, our priority remains the safety of the Formula 1 community and the communities we visit, and we review fan access on this basis.

"Due to the ongoing fluidity of the COVID-19 pandemic we continue to maintain close dialogue with all promoters and local authorities to ensure we operate in the safest way possible and monitor each national situation closely – including travel restrictions and local health procedures."

Remaining 2020 grands prix

Belgian: August 30

Italian: September 6

Tuscan: September 13

Russian: September 27

Eifel (Nürburgring): October 11

Portuguese (Portimâo): October 25

Emilia Romagna (Imola): November 1

Turkish: November 15

Bahrain: November 29

Bahrain II: December 6

Abu Dhabi: December 13