SEPTEMBER 11, 2003

Turkey gets its deal

Turkey has committed to a Formula 1 race in 2005 and now the race is on to build a new racing facility in time for a race in 2005. The initial deal is for seven years and will cost Turkey around $100m. Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan and Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone were both present at a ground-breaking ceremony at the site of the new track near Istanbul's newly-completed second airport.

Bernie Ecclestone said that F1 would make a big impact on Turkish tourism.

It remains to be seen whether tobacco advertising will be allowed or not...