Turkish Formula 1 circuit given top safety license

2020 Turkish Grand Prix venue Istanbul Park awarded Grade 1 license by FIA, enabling future F1 races, say local organizers

By Mucahit Huseyin Erogul

ISTANBUL (AA) - The world motorsports body gave its highest safety certification to the Turkish Formula 1 circuit, Istanbul Park, for three years, local organizers said on Thursday.

"FIA approved the Grade 1 license for our circuit for 3 years, which is given for the best circuits," Intercity CEO Vural Ak said in a press conference.

"The talks [with Formula 1 organizers] are still ongoing so that the Turkish Grand Prix will be added to the schedule for years, rather than a year," Ak remarked.

"The three-year license that we had from FIA proves that our circuit is ready at any time."

He also praised the Turkish organizing squad for their massive efforts on short notice.

Ak said that the organizing team, which had hundreds of people, worked day and night for three months to hold last weekend's Turkish Grand Prix.

He added that with these efforts, the Turkish GP has "achieved great success."

- Elite circuits have Grade 1 license

The FIA Grade 1 license is the highest safety certification given by the motorsports association and allows Intercity Istanbul Park -- the venue of 2020 Turkish Grand Prix -- to host future Formula 1 races.

A track with the Grade 1 license boasts superior facilities and top safety measures for F1 events.

Many well-known circuits on the Formula 1 calendar, such as the Australian, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Monaco, Belgian, Japanese, US, Canadian, UK and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix had the Grade 1 license.

- Hamilton victorious in 2020 Turkish GP

On Sunday, the Turkish Grand Prix was held for the first time since 2011.

The Intercity Istanbul Park in Tuzla district -- located in the metropolis' Asian side -- hosted this year's race as drivers competed on the 5.3-kilometer (3.3 miles) track for 58 laps.

Mercedes' British star Lewis Hamilton sealed the 2020 Formula 1 title with a first-place finish in Istanbul.

Hamilton secured his seventh Formula 1 world title to equalize the German legend Michael Schumacher.

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