Turkey's interest in motor sports, which has reached its peak with Formula One Turkish Grand Prix, goes long back to 1920s when the first motor race held in Istanbul. But the modern steps started with a go-karting track initiated by Cem Hakko, CEO of Vakko and one of the the world's top fifteen karting drivers. He and his friends could not resist the temptation to build a go-karting track that would host international races. Alinur Velidedeoğlu, a prominent figure in the advertising industry, sponsored the project. Mümtaz Tahincioğlu, who had been a keen racer since his days in England where he raced Formula 4 courses, gave the biggest support to the project. Tahincioğlu consulted his friends to increase foreign participation, allowing Turkey's first international karting race to take place in 1988. David Coulthard, top British Formula One driver, was among the competitors. “I remember us toying with the idea of bringing Formula 1 to Turkey. But the issue lay dormant for several years.”

Ecclestone publicly declared “Turkey has so many advantages for hosting F1” at a press conference with Mümtaz Tahincioğlu in Istanbul in March 2002. “But first you need a track, and I don't know what level of government support you have.” Government support was to be the smallest of concerns. The project was approved with enthusiasm at a ministerial meeting in July 2002.

Tahincioğlu talks about recent offers he has received from F1 teams that could bring even greater economic benefit to Turkey. “Several F1 teams have approached Turkish universities offering to train their students in engineering and mechanics. The know-how they receive can be used to advance technology and help build the necessary industry,” he said.