Turkey organisers risk heavy sanctions

Local organisers face charges of breaking the FIA statutes, the international sporting code and Formula One regulations with a controversial podium ceremony at last month's race in Istanbul.

Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, who was introduced to millions of viewers around the world as the 'President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus', presented the winner's trophy to Ferrari's Brazilian Felipe Massa.

Cyprus has been split since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded the northern part of the Mediterranean island after a brief, Greek-inspired coup. Only Turkey recognises the north.

The International Automobile Federation (FIA), representing 213 national motoring organisations from 125 countries, is concerned that Talat's involvement may have compromised its political neutrality.

Organisers have said they invited Talat as "a dignitary of international status" and deny using the podium ceremony to gain political advantage.

Possible sanctions include the possibility of next year's race being scrubbed from the calendar as well as Turkey losing rounds of the FIA-sanctioned rally and touring car world championships.

A decision is expected later on Tuesday.

"The least they can expect is a multi-million-dollar fine," commented one well-placed source, who said the governing body needed to set an example to prevent similar actions reoccurring elsewhere.

The Istanbul Park circuit has been highly praised by drivers and teams after two races there, with some likening it to Belgium's classic Spa track.

"I can't see it being taken off the calendar...for whatever reason," McLaren team boss Ron Dennis told reporters at Monza this month.

"It seems a rather draconian act to take a world championship event off when they've built a good circuit and basically it's a good Grand Prix."

Team owner Frank Williams also hoped Turkey would keep its planned Aug. 26 slot. "To say you are racing in Turkey gives just another little bit of respectability, interest, credibility to the championship," he said. "It is a great track."

Honda's Nick Fry, whose team had local oil company Petrol Ofisi as a one-off backer at the race this year, said Turkey was also of strategic interest.

"Turkey is a huge growing market," he said. "For the car manufacturers and for all the sponsors, it would be losing a growth market and that would be commercially not great. Frankly, I think it would be negative all round."