The Turkish Grand Prix is to rejoin the 2021 Formula 1 calendar, replacing the October 3 Singapore GP.

Earlier this month it was announced that the Marina Bay race had been cancelled, due to promoters citing “ongoing safety and logistic concerns” in relation to Covid-19. This left a ‘TBC’ gap earmarked for October 1-3.

Turkey had been set to feature earlier this year, but was then removed from the calendar because of Covid-19 travel restrictions. F1 has now found a way to re-accommodate the event at Intercity Istanbul Park, filling in the October ‘TBC’ gap.

“After discussions with other promoters we are confident that we will be able to travel to the following race under our strict safety protocols,” a statement from F1 said.

“The Formula 1 community will continue to travel this season with stringent safety measures that has allowed us to travel safely this season. So far this season we have conducted over 44,000 tests with 27, positive cases a rate of 0.06%, with most coming during the earlier part of the season.

“Alongside this a significant proportion of the F1 community has been vaccinated already and we are confident that all will have had the opportunity to do so by the end of the summer. We will continue to operate in a way that protects the safety of our personnel and the communities we visit.”

President and CEO of Formula 1 Stefano Domenicali added: “We are delighted to be coming back to Turkey to Intercity Istanbul Park circuit. We hope to see another fantastic race again in one of the best tracks in the world.

Istanbul Park provided arguably the grand prix of the season last year, as drivers struggled for grip on the newly resurfaced track.

Lance Stroll started on pole and Max Verstappen spun off spectacularly before Lewis Hamilton worked intermediate tyre magic to win and take his seventh drivers’ title.