Photo by ddp images/Sipa USA. (Sipa via AP Images)

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem discussed a potential return of the Turkish Grand Prix with the country’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The race returned for the 2020 and 2021 Formula 1 seasons, when the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the world and caused struggles in the calendar with the restrictions from the different host countries.

Ben Sulayem confirmed talks with Erdogan in a statement.

“It was a pleasure to meet with President Erdogan. Our talks centered on a range of topics. We discussed the possibility of a return of Formula 1 and WRC to Turkey,” it read.

“Istanbul Park is a modern circuit which is popular with drivers while the city of Istanbul is a thriving metropolis which would welcome the return of Formula 1 with open arms.

“President Erdogan also recognizes the importance of the economic and cultural impact which world-class motorsport -Formula 1 and WRC- brings to the country.”

Any decision to make a return to Turkey will be made by Formula 1 exclusively, as it is the commercial rights holder.

“TOSFED, our Member Club in Turkey, have a wealth of experience in organizing and managing major motorsport event. If the stars align, we could see a return of both world-class events to Turkey,” Sulayem concluded.