Autoblog

Formula One Czar boss, Bernie Ecclestone is apparently a "big, big" fan of bikes, and partnered with his place in the F1 hierarchy, decided to purchase a controlling stake in Turkey's Istanbul Park.

Supposedly paying close to $180 million for an interest in the circuit, this recent acquisition brings the total number of tracks owned by the Andy Warhol look-alike to two – the other being the Paul Ricard circuit in France.

The move solidifies Turkey's position as a host of Formula One races in the future, but questions regarding the $2.5 million fine that was levied on the organizers after last year's trophy debacle remain. Rumors about Eccelstone's possible involvement in helping to pay the fine have surfaced, but regardless, it's a sweet circuit and we're glad it's sticking around.

[Source: TSN]

The FIA is incensed after a game of political subterfuge played out on the podium last Sunday at the Turkish Grand Prix in Instanbul. Felipe Massa, the winner of the race, was presented his trophy by Mehmet Ali Talat, introduced by announcers as the President of the Northern Turkish Republic of Cyprus. Problem is, no such country exists except in the eyes of Turkey. The geographic area to which the the man's title refers is a part of Cyprus, the Mediterranean island nation over which Greece and Turkey have been fighting for decades.

Murat Yalicintas, head of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, admits that his organization delayed telling the FIA who the podium presenter would be in order to sneak their guy on the stand. For their efforts, the FIA is considering dropping the Turkish GP from next year's schedule, as well as canceling Turkey's round of the World Rally Championship. Lesson learned: it doesn't pay to mess with the FIA.

Thanks for the tip, Noah!

[Source: Planet-F1]