Turkish Grand Prix could be scrapped

Turkish Grand Prix organisers will today learn whether next year’s event in Istanbul will be scrapped from the Formula One calendar.

Controversy erupted after organisers put forward Turkish-Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat to present the winner’s trophy to Felipe Massa at last month’s race at the Istanbul Park circuit.

The Turkish-controlled area of northern Cyprus is not recognised as a separate country by the United Nations, resulting in the FIA expressing anger their political neutrality had apparently been compromised.

Turkish federation TOSFED and race organisers MSO today face a special meeting of the FIA’s world motor sport council where they face charges of breaching FIA and Formula One rules.

Meanwhile, the San Marino Grand Prix could yet be included in next year’s Formula One calendar after an 18-race season was formally agreed following a meeting today between the FIA and the teams.

The decision is subject to Formula One Commission and World Motor Sport Council approval, but it at least offers the Imola race a lifeline.