Ex-Turkish GP F1 track Istanbul Park to host new endurance race

British-based Driving Force Events, which started the Gulf 12 Hours (pictured below) in 2012, has entered into a collaboration with the new leaseholder of Istanbul Park facility to host the race on August 9 this year.

The duration of the Turkish event has yet to be confirmed, but it is understood that it will follow the format of the Abu Dhabi race and be made up of two six-hour legs.

The race will be open to GT machinery, Group CN prototypes and touring cars.

Driving Force boss Andrea Ficarelli told AUTOSPORT: "GT3 will be our top class; LMP2 prototypes will not be eligible, for example.

"But we will allow CN prototypes and touring cars, because we do not want to limit ourselves in what is an unpredictable market."

Ficarelli said he had set no target for the size of the entry in the inaugural race and stressed that it was "important to get started".

He pointed out that just 13 cars started the inaugural Gulf 12 Hours at the Yas Marina circuit in January 2012 and that the entry has now stabilised at more than 20 cars.

"Going to Turkey sounds exotic, but it is no further than going to Estoril or Algarve in Portugal for an Italian team," explained Ficarelli.

"We are sure that in the long-term the event can be a success."

The date, although two weeks after the Spa 24 Hours Blancpain Endurance Series round, has been chosen not to clash with any major GT3 events in Europe.