F1 supremo hopeful on retaining Turkish race

Bernie Ecclestone has left the door open for the Turkish Grand Prix to continue after this season.

The race has come under threat after Ecclestone pushed the cost of sanctioning the race to nearly £26million, doubling the current cost.

It seemed at though Turkish officials would be unwilling to meet such a demand, with Istanbul mayor Kadir Topbas quoted by the Zaman newspaper as saying: It was not a profitable event. Serious finances are needed in order for this system to work. Unfortunately there was a problem. Turkish people didn't give the races recognition.

However, Ecclestone still believes a deal can be made.

"The race brings a huge amount of people, trade and publicity to the city," Ecclestone told the Daily Express

I am a bit disappointed and I hope we can work out a deal.

The 2011 Turkish Grand Prix is the next on the calendar and will take place on Sunday, May 8.

Formula One tickets are available now.

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