Turkish GP in jeopardy after Sunday's politics

Team Infidel

Forum Spin Doctor
http://www.planet-f1.com/News/Story_Page/0,15909,3210_3213_1459823,00.html


The FIA is set to launch an investigation into the how and why Mr Mehmet Ali Talat was called up to present Felipe Massa his winner's trophy at Sunday's Turkish GP.

Mr Mehmet Ali Talat was introduced to the crowd as the "President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" and while the Turkish Cypriot state is recognised by Turkey, it is not recognised by Cyprus. Cyprus has been politically split ever since Turkish troops invaded the north of the island in 1974.

The Cypriot government were not only angered by the claims that Mr Mehmet Ali Talat is president of the state by also by the fact that he was billed as a Turkish citizen.

And as a result of this political saga, the FIA have now launched an investigation into the Turkish GP's podium ceremony.

'The FIA has launched a full investigation into the circumstances in which Mr Mehmet Ali Talat was invited to present the winner's trophy at the 2006 Turkish Grand Prix,' the FIA said in a statement.

'Political neutrality is fundamental to the FIA's role as the governing body of international motor sport. No compromise or violation of this neutrality is acceptable.

'The results of the investigation will be presented to the FIA World Motor Sport Council.'

and....................................



The Turkish Grand Prix could be dropped from next year's calendar after a deliberate game of politics in Sunday's podium ceremony angered the FIA.


According to The Times, the incensed FIA are viewing the political incident so seriously that the country could now lose its grand prix.

'Not only is there a real danger that the Turkish Grand Prix, which was announced as part of next year's calendar only yesterday, will be cancelled, the country may also lose its round of the World Rally Championship,' the newspaper reported.

In the past the FIA has punished other venues for infringing on its podium celebrations.

In 1997, Jerez hosted its final F1 grand prix after the local mayor pushed his way onto the podium causing chaos - and Jerez has never hosted a race since.

Worryingly for Turkey, though, the FIA are viewing their podium fiasco a lot more seriously than the Jerez incident.

A FIA source said: "This is much more calculated, much more politically manipulative - it is something which is holding motor sport to hostage.

"It' incensed the Greeks and the Cypriots and potentially compromised the political independence of the FIA."

Motorsport's governing body revealed on Tuesday that they would be investigating the Turkish GP podium ceremony after they were given delayed notification about who would be presenting the winner's trophy and were thereby tricked into being a part of a political battle.

That person presenting the trophy turned out to be Mehmet Ali Talat, who was introduced to television viewers around the world as the president of the breakaway Turkish Cypriot state, a political entity only recognised by Turkey.

Murat Yalcintas, head of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, told The Times: "As we had Mr Talat in mind, we delayed giving notification as much as we could.
"The race was a great opportunity - Cyprus is our national cause."
 
Last edited:
Back
Top