We Have Lost Ömer Tolon

Ömer Tolon, a former member of the Board of the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED), accomplished driver and businessman, sadly lost his fight for life on Wednesday 30 April, having battled for around two months following an accident.

Ömer Tolon, who claimed numerous victories during his motorsport career, was a model figure – sporting, gentlemanly and generous – who was loved and respected both in the business world and across the motorsport community.

Tolon began his career in circuit racing in 1995 with the Lada Cup and, after winning the 1996 Escort Cup title, switched to rallying with the Opel Motorsport team in 1997. He contested the 1998 Turkish Rally Championship with the same team. In 1999, Tolon competed in the French Citroen Cup alongside his brother Tarkan Tolon, before racing as a Ford Motorsport Türkiye driver in 2000, 2001 and 2002.

Tolon raced for Fiat Abarth Motorsport in 2004 and for Hyundai Assan Motorsports in 2005. In 2002, he won the Champion of Champions title, becoming the best Turkish driver.

Having made a valuable contribution to Turkish motorsport, he will always be remembered with respect for his exemplary character and his work. We pray for mercy for the departed and extend our patience and condolences to his family above all, and to everyone who loved him and to our whole community. Rest in peace, dear friend.