Full Throttle

The İstanbul Formula One Grand Prix, famed for its challenging curves and relished by F1 fans around the world, is in serious danger of being left off the racing schedule after 2011.

This according to comments made by Istanbul Park’s general director Can Guclu.

“We are afraid that 2011 may be the last year of the staging of F1 in Istanbul,” Guclu was quoted as saying in Today’s Zaman newspaper.

“There is serious competition from such countries as South Africa, Russia, Bulgaria and South Korea. South Korea has a highly developed economy and they place importance on sporting events.

DAMN I never imagined Blackmail would be such hard work

“The [football] world cup was held in there in 2002. And Russia has already started constructing a race course.”

“We made a deal with Ecclestone in 2003 and the first race was organised in 2005. As you see, there is a four-year process in order to be included in the calendar.

“There is still nothing about extending the deal and no demand from either side.”

It goes without saying (but I will) the potential venues mentioned plus India that’s already been awarded a GP event starting coincidentally the same year Istanbul’s contract expires (2011) wouldn’t be in play without Bernie “The Gnome” Ecclestone playing one venue against the other looking for the best possible financial reward - for himself.

Ecclestone once said of Istanbul Park; “This is absolutely going to be the best track.”

Translated that means “best” until the next sucker comes along with a larger pot of gold.