PARIS (AFP) - World motor sports’ governing body FIA has summoned Turkish sports chiefs for talks in Paris after an incident on the podium of the Istanbul Grand Prix almost led to a diplomatic row.

Ferrari’s Brazilian driver Felipe Massa won Sunday’s race and received the trophy from Turkish-Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat. The Federation International Automobile promotes political neutrality and wants an explanation from the Turkish sporting authorities.

“The National Sporting Authority of Turkey (TOSFED) and the Organizers of the 2006 Turkish Grand Prix (MSO) have been called to appear before a specially convened meeting... to hear charges that they have acted in breach of the FIA Statutes, the International Sporting Code and the 2006 Formula One Sporting Regulations,” the statement said.