GrandPrix, NY
Oct 13 2006

The politics of Turkey and the F1 world

Mehmet Ali Talat, the man who caused the ongoing F1 Podium Crisis in
Turkey, has told the Associated Press that the FIA’s fine was "very
unfair, really very unfair and not acceptable". Talat said that he
was watching the race and was asked if he could hand over the
winner’s trophy. He was introduced as "the President of the Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus", an entity which the United Nations says
is "legally invalid".

"It was just a very innocent act," Talat said.

Others do not agree.

A spokesman for the government of Cyprus called the gesture an
"unacceptable and provocative theatrical performance organised by
Ankara" and said that the Turks had "deceived the FIA and tried to
exploit for political purposes a purely sporting event, through
provocative manoeuvres and absurd propaganda methods."

The FIA reacted by saying that "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" but then
the FIA World Council decided to fine the Turks $5m rather than take
stronger action.

Talat’s remarks are unlikely to have much effect on the FIA
International Court of Appeal which must now decide whether the fine
is fair or not. If the Turks are allowed to get away with such a
provocative gesture, it is entirely possible that other nations will
decide to use Grands Prix as propaganda tools. If the fine is
confirmed the race may end up being threatened and that will have an
economic impact on the Formula One group. That is not a long-term
problem as there are plenty of other races that could step in,
although the Turkish track is a real challenge and it will be a shame
if it is lost.

The question is of key importance to the FIA as it will give a clear
sign as to whether the federation will allow its premier championship
to be used as a propaganda tool or whether it stands by its founding
principles and demands political neutrality at races.

While the FIA needs to consider the implications of its decisions
very carefully, Turkey itself needs to decide whether or not it
really wants to have a Grand Prix. The idea of the race was to
attract more tourists to the country. In addition to the immediate
financial gain, there is no question that the event was also about
giving Turkey a better international image which would, perhaps,
soften attitudes in Europe about Turkey’s desire to be a member of
the European Union.

Turkey has been trying to join Europe since 1959 but actual
negotiations did not begin until the end of last year. Europeans in
favour of the idea argue that Turkey’s vibrant economy and its move
to modernise is a big opportunity for Europe, that Turkey has been a
strong ally in NATO and that turning it into a stable secular
democracy would be a good example for Middle Eastern countries.

Those opposed to the idea argue that a big Muslim country – located
largely in Asia – has no place in Europe. The Turks have not helped
matters with their attitude to Cyprus, not to mention questions over
religious and ethnic discrimination and human rights. Public opinion
in Europe is largely against the idea with less than 40% of EU
citizens in favour. In order for the Turks to become part of Europe
all member states must agree. Several countries have already made it
clear that they would have referendums. France – up to now one of
Turkey’s biggest supporters – yesterday approved a bill which makes
it a crime to deny that Armenians were the victims of genocide
between 1915-1918 when it is claimed 1.5m Armenians were killed. Even
pro-Turkish French President Jacques Chirac says that Turkey must
recognise the Armenian genocide as a pre-condition of EU membership.
There is also a report due from the European Commission which is
expected to highlight the fact that Turkey is not doing enough in
terms of reform. Faced with Europe’s attitude, Turkish nationalists
have adopted a harder line in recent times and against this backdrop
the events on the podium in Istanbul are significant.

Ironically, if nationalism increases and the idea of EU membership
fades, there is less reason to have a Grand Prix.