As successful as Finns have been in Formula 1, the idea of the country hosting its own Grand Prix seems a bit incongruous, or perhaps not.
Finnish tabloid Ilta-Sanomat is reporting that F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has held initial talks with potential promoters regarding the organization of a Grand Prix in the country's capital.
Robert Lappalainen, a former racing driver, and his wife Marja-Leena were the organizing force behind the German touring car (DTM) races held in Helsinki way back in 1995 and 1996.
The events attracted a total of some 250 000 visitors and were so popular that Ecclestone suggested that Formula 1 elect domicile in the city, but it never happened.
Marja-Leena Lappalainen has now undertaken a feasibility study of the project, centered around a 4.5 kilometer track starting in Hernesaari area and laid out along the coast line.
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The concept would obviously require a hefty infrastructure investment, estimated at $100 million, and a yearly franchise fee, probably in the region of $25 million, paid to FOM.
"DTM's past success in Helsinki proves that we have an enthusiastic fan base," said Juhani Pakari, the Presdient of Finnish Automobile Federation. "Ticket sales would be a success, but there remains the question of finding the investors willing to finance a Grand Prix."
