FORUMula1.com - F1 Forum

[myownalias]

The below highlighted passage sums up Bernie Ecclestone, greedy barsteward!!!

Formula One’s commercial rights holder, Bernie Ecclestone, who won all operating rights for İstanbul Park for seven years in 2004 and who had guaranteed to hold Formula One races there during this period, wants to double the annual rent of the race track, threatening to stop organizing the races in İstanbul otherwise.

The current contract outlines rent of $13.5 million annually through 2011.

Today’s Zaman has learned that Ecclestone spoke with State Minister for Sports Faruk Nafiz Özak and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek last Saturday, during the İstanbul Grand Prix.

Ecclestone stayed firm on his demand for $26 million per year and said: “I leave it up to you. India and Arab countries are all ready to take your place.” Özak’s response was to say: “This is İstanbul, one of the world’s most beautiful places. So is this racecourse.”

Youth and Sports Director (GSGM) Yunus Akgül, who was present at the meeting, said Ecclestone was adamant in his demand. After these talks, both sides understand the positions of all involved, and the process will be concluded within two months, Akgül noted to Today’s Zaman. “Turkey is definitely fond of hosting these races, and all this haggling is taking place for this. However, paying $26 million for this organization every year is a big burden. The figure is very high. We’ve approached the deal from a different angle. Our last offer was that he relinquish the operating rights to İstanbul Park, and we guaranteed that the track would be reserved for the organization for three weeks before and during the races. In return, we wanted him to come up with a new offer,” Akgül said. He admitted that if Ecclestone insists on a high annual fee for the races, Turkey would have to end its Formula One adventure.

GSGM has officially asked the İstanbul Chamber of Trade (İTO), the owner of İstanbul Park, for permission to take over the operating rights of the course, he stated.

The İstanbul Park course is idle for almost the entire year, except for a few small-scale events, and has been ever since it was constructed, Akgül noted, because the operating company asked for extremely high fees for use of the course. “If GSGM undertakes the operation of the course, it will open it up for events by the automobile and motorcycle federations, along with a number of auto races including the MotoGP.”

İstanbul Park’s groundbreaking ceremony was held in 2002 by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Construction was completed in two years with a total cost of over $260 million. It was leased to Ecclestone for a fee of $3 million per year.

[madbrad]

Well that's how Tony George got scared away too, and how Canada lost its race too. It's a miracle we have it now.

[texasmr2]

Bernies greed never ceases to amaze me .

[ronnieb]

Simple, Bernie doesn't want to race there anymore.

[Gaz]

Dont think its a case of greed i just think he dosnt want to have a half capacity crowd so is trying to get rid in place of other locations

[texasmr2]

Dont think its a case of greed i just think he dosnt want to have a half capacity crowd so is trying to get rid in place of other locations

Good point yet I think it may be a combination of the two, more to your point than mine but I think they go hand in hand to a certain extent?

[cap-dude]

Exactly. Bernie is just pulling a random and ridiculous amount of cash out of his arse, as a way to scare of the organizers.

Turkey has a great a track. Probably the best Tilke has built. The drivers love it, we love it. The probelm is promotion and getting people there. But they need money to promote it more, and they need Bernie to lower charges so they can lower ticket prices and get more people coming. Doubling the costs will kill the race even if they manage to host it in the future.

Also, there's compliants that F1 is the only race that goes there. Why? Moto GP has been there, as has WTCC, DTM and LeMans. Why don't they come back.

I think after this years amazing race, interest in the GP should go up. The race needs to be like Spa. Belgium is hardly a rising rich country, nor do we have famous racing drivers from Belgium attracting locals. But people keep coming to it simply because its the greatest race track out there.

[madbrad]

Ah you brought up a point, they need a Turkish driver. It would behoove Bernie to set up a program of incentive for drivers native to countries that have races. It would in the long run even pad his own wallet while helping all the track owners. If the seats sell, then they could afford the fee and races woudn't be in jeopardy. Plu Bernie could afford to lower the fee, oh who am I kidding?

[headless]

his greed could anything

[7UpJordan]

Why can't Bernie be like this with boring-Bahrain or Shanghai? They get NO crowds, they are worse tracks but when the Shanghai organisers have some financial problems he goes and bails them out instead of ditching them.

[racechick]

Exactly. Bernie is just pulling a random and ridiculous amount of cash out of his arse, as a way to scare of the organizers.

Turkey has a great a track. Probably the best Tilke has built. The drivers love it, we love it. The probelm is promotion and getting people there. But they need money to promote it more, and they need Bernie to lower charges so they can lower ticket prices and get more people coming. Doubling the costs will kill the race even if they manage to host it in the future.

Also, there's compliants that F1 is the only race that goes there. Why? Moto GP has been there, as has WTCC, DTM and LeMans. Why don't they come back.

I think after this years amazing race, interest in the GP should go up. The race needs to be like Spa. Belgium is hardly a rising rich country, nor do we have famous racing drivers from Belgium attracting locals. But people keep coming to it simply because its the greatest race track out there.

I don't like Tilk tracks butTurkey is the exception that proves the rule. Drivers liking it is usually the key. Ive been there and its ace to watch the cars. i was at turn 12/13 and you ccould see the cars sweeping down the hill. The undulating nature of the track adds interest. LAY OFF INSTANBUL PARKget rid off crpo tracks!!. what is it with this guy? He gets rid of all USA, Canada, Spa, Silverstone(well he tried) and leaves all the crap alone

[myownalias]

It comes down to the fact that Bernie is simply out to make as much money as he can before he dies/retires, which is probably the same thing, maybe he needs the money to bail out his good friend Flavio Briatore? China and Bahrain have plenty of $$$ to pay whatever Bernie demands, but Turkey does not; no doubt there will be another middle east / Asian track that will be willing to stump up mega $$$. Bernie couldn't give a flying f*ck about F1 now; it's all about the money, not what's best for the sport... Tilke and Ecclestone, a match made in HELL!!!

[darwin dali]

It comes down to the fact that Bernie is simply out to make as much money as he can before he dies/retires, which is probably the same thing, maybe he needs the money to bail out his good friend Flavio Briatore? China and Bahrain have plenty of $$$ to pay whatever Bernie demands, but Turkey does not; no doubt there will be another middle east / Asian track that will be willing to stump up mega $$$. Bernie couldn't give a flying f*ck about F1 now; it's all about the money, not what's best for the sport... Tilke and Ecclestone, a match made in HELL!!!

A bit harsh

[madbrad]

^^ according to that uncyclopedia article, Tilke tracks are designed to maximize the TV exposure of the advertisement on the cars with long straights followed by 1st gear corners. That is why he is used so much.

[darwin dali]

Tilke tracks are designed to maximize the TV exposure of the advertisement on the cars with long straights followed by 1st gear corners. That is why he is used so much.

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