Formula One could have 20 races again next season after the governing FIA pencilled in a mystery European round in July to fill a space left by the postponed Grand Prix of America in New Jersey.
The International Automobile Federation said on Wednesday that the German Grand Prix would switch from July 14 to July 7 with July 21 now “reserved for another F1 European event” subject to approval of national bodies. While no further details were given, speculation focused mainly on the possible return of the Turkish Grand Prix in Istanbul. Germany’s revised date would see that race follow on immediately from the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on June 30, according to the previous provisional calendar, while the new event would be back-to-back with Hungary on July 28. Istanbul, where the FIA is currently holding its annual assembly and World Motor Sports Council meeting, would be a popular option for teams and drivers who rated the track on the Asian side highly before it was dropped from this year’s calendar.
Formula One’s commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone dropped a hint on Tuesday when he told Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport that he was going to Istanbul “to try and revive the Turkish Grand Prix and take part in the world council.”
