Turkish GP left out of 2012 calendar
Saturday 30th July 2011
This year's Turkish Grand Prix appears to have been the last after Bernie Ecclestone failed to agree a new deal with circuit officials at Istanbul Park.
Formula One supremo Ecclestone has this week issued the teams with a new draft calendar for 2012, with Turkey no longer present.
The seven-year contract for the race expired following the staging of this season's race in May, with the prospects of a new deal a long shot even at that stage.
It has long been apparent that the Turkish Grand Prix has been in jeopardy, with dwindling attendances at a circuit some distance from the centre of Istanbul.
In light of the provisional calendar that now has to be ratified by the teams, McLaren managing director Jonathan Neale said: "I think it is always sad when you lose a grand prix from the calendar.
"We are sorry to see Turkey go."
The FIA initially unveiled a 21-race calendar earlier this season, despite claims by Ecclestone that 20 would be the maximum.
Highlighting the situation, Virgin Racing sporting director Graeme Lowdon said: "The calendar already has 20 races. As a smaller team 21 is too many."
The new season opens in Australia, rather than Bahrain, which has now been placed towards the end of the year back-to-back with near-neighbour Abu Dhabi.
Following the cancellation of this year's race in the Gulf kingdom due to political unrest, the country has been given further time and opportunity to show it has calmed tensions to an extent that a race can be staged.
The Australian and Malaysian grands prix will be run back-to-back in March, with a five-week summer break now scheduled.
The conclusion of the season will also see back-to-back races in the United States and Brazil in November.
The USA returns to the calendar with a new race in Austin. However, it has been moved from its provisional June slot due to concerns over the 40 degree heat in Texas at that time of year.
Credit: ESPN STAR (www.espnstar.com)
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