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Turkish GP to run behind closed doors after initial 100,000 attendance target
The Turkish Grand Prix next month will be held without fans despite an initial target of up to 100,000 for the return of the race in Istanbul.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the 2020 Formula 1 season schedule, with an updated calendar resulting in a 17-race season running from July until mid-December. Istanbul Park is one of five circuits that were not on the original calendar but have since managed to secure a race as a likely one-off, and race organizers were hoping to attract a big crowd to the first Turkish Grand Prix since 2011 by offering tickets at low prices.
However, the Turkish government has now blocked those plans, and the race will now be forced to take place behind closed doors due to rising coronavirus cases in the country. While the first eight rounds of the season were all held in similar conditions, Mugello had the first ticket sales for a grand prix since the start of the pandemic, and tens of thousands attended the Russian Grand Prix. The next three races in Germany, Portimao and Imola are also all set to host fans.
“Our season has been guided by a safety first approach and that will continue to be our priority,” an F1 spokesperson said. “In Turkey we were looking forward to seeing fans, but the situation in the country means this is no longer possible and we fully understand and respect the decision.”
The race at Istanbul Park takes place from November 13-15, and the circuit’s owner Intercity is keen to use the event to try and secure a permanent spot on the schedule.
“I am sure that even if it’s without fans, after the perfect hospitality we will show here, we will bring the races here next year and fill the stands together,” Intercity chairman Vural Ak said.
Presented by:
Chris Medland
While studying Sports Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, Chris managed to talk his way into working at the British Grand Prix in 2008 and was retained for three years before joining ESPN F1 as Assistant Editor. After three further years at ESPN, a spell as F1 Editor at Crash Media Group was followed by the major task of launching F1i.com’s English-language website and running it as Editor. Present at every race since the start of 2014, he has continued building his freelance portfolio, working with international titles. As well as writing for RACER, his broadcast work includes television appearances on F1 TV and as a presenter and reporter on North America's live radio coverage on SiriusXM.
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