The inaugural race was held in 2005 after the Rio de Janeiro Grand Prix was scrapped from the calendar.[3][4][5] However, after only three years, the race was taken off the calendar due to financial troubles. The Istanbul Park circuit had problems raising the money to stage a MotoGP round every year, and the local authorities refused to help with the funding of the race, despite the boost it gave to the local economy.[6][7] After the venue was taken over by now ex-Formula One chief executive Bernie Ecclestone and DORNA chairman Carmelo Ezpeleta said that no decision was taken about including the Turkish GP into the 2008 calendar, the race was dropped and replaced by the Portuguese Grand Prix, who was moved to the now empty Turkey slot after the Indianapolis Grand Prix was confirmed.[8][9]
Official names and sponsors
2005–2007: Grand Prix of Turkey (no official sponsor)
