The Turkish Grand Prix looks set to return to the Formula One calendar after the country's president and F1 CEO Chase Carey "agreed in principle" over the circuit's future.
Carey met with Turkish president Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday to discuss Istanbul Park, which dropped off the calendar in 2011. Also present was circuit owner Vural Ak, who purchased the $250 million venue five years ago, and several representatives from the Turkish government.
Since being installed as CEO in January Carey has outlined his desire to strengthen F1 in Europe, a place he believes has "historic strength" for the sport. Circuit chief Ak believes Tuesday's talks went all way towards securing another European venue.
"We had a meeting in Ankara with the President and Chase Carey from Liberty Media, whom I previously invited to Turkey personally before," Ak said. "All I can say at this point is that the meetings went really well and we agreed in principle. Although the contract hasn't been signed yet."
Istanbul was a popular feature of the calendar between 2005 and 2011, with the notorious Turn 8 left-hander quickly establishing a reputation as one of the toughest corners in F1. It left F1 for financial reasons after the 2011 edition.
Last week it was confirmed the Malaysian Grand Prix will drop off the calendar in 2018, with Germany returning after several years of cancellations and uncertainty. The French Grand Prix was also confirmed for 2018 ahead of the season, meaning next year's prospective calendar stands at 21 races. .