National Driver and World Junior Rally Champion Ali Türkkan Returns to Istanbul
Achieving a historic success by winning the World Junior Rally Championship, Ali Türkkan became the first Turkish driver to claim the title and was welcomed with flowers at Istanbul Airport.
Ali Türkkan, who became the first Turkish driver to win the World Junior Rally Championship, returned home following his major success at Rally Chile and received an enthusiastic welcome at Istanbul Airport.
Historic Victory in Chile
Rally Chile, the 12th leg of the 2026 FIA World Rally Championship season, took place from September 10 to 13. With championship leader Calle Carlberg of Sweden crashing out on the second day, Ali Türkkan continued the race as the leader.
First Turkish World Champion
Displaying a careful drive on the final day of the organization, national driver Ali Türkkan finished Rally Chile in second place. With this result, Türkkan became the World Junior Rally Champion, making history as the first driver to earn this title in Turkish motorsports.
Floral Welcome at the Airport
Ali Türkkan and his team arrived in Istanbul on a Turkish Airlines flight. The successful rally driver was greeted with flowers by his family, friends, and supporters at Istanbul Airport.
Thanks to Supporters
Answering questions from members of the press at the airport, the national athlete expressed his gratitude to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak, and Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy for not leaving them alone on this journey.
Teamwork and Future Goals
Stating that this success does not belong to him alone but is the shared effort of his family and team, Türkkan expressed his belief that Turkey will become a motorsport nation in the future. He drew attention to the importance of investing in young athletes.