2009 Turkish Grand Prix: 5 - 7 June 2009
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2008 DATA:
Length:
5.338 km |
No of Laps:
58 (309.396 Km) |
2008 Pole Position:
F. Massa - 1:27.617 (Ferrari) |
Lap record:
J. P. Montoya - 1:24.770 (McLaren) |
2008 Fastest Lap:
K. Räikkönen - 1:26.506 (Ferrari) |
2008 Top 8:
1. F. Massa (Ferrari)
2. L. Hamilton (McLaren Mercedes)
3. K. Räikkönen (Ferrari)
4. R. Kubica (BMW Sauber F1 Team)
5. N. Heidfeld (BMW Sauber F1 Team)
6. F. Alonso (Renault)
7. M. Webber (Red Bull Racing)
8. N. Rosberg (Williams-Toyota)
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Turkish GP Facts:
| Full throttle ratio |
63% |
| Top speed race |
315 km/h |
| Longest flat-out section |
16 sec / 1200 m |
| Right-/left-hand turns |
6/8 |
| Tyre wear |
high |
| Brake wear |
low |
| Downforce level |
medium |
| Gearshifts per lap |
42 |
Circuit Review: Otodrom Istanbul Circuit
2005 saw Turkey’s debut on the Formula One calendar at a brand new purpose-built 5.378 kilometre circuit in Istanbul. Featuring 14 turns – eight lefts and six rights, the Otodrom Istanbul circuit was designed by the renowned German racetrack architect Herman Tilke, the same man behind the designs of the Sepang, Bahrain and Shanghai circuits.
Constructed on the Asian side of the ancient city of Istanbul, the circuit was designed seemingly with the intention of catching the drivers out.
The Otodrom Istanbul circuit also stands out amongst the rest as one of the few circuits that runs anti-clockwise, with the other two being the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit at Imola in San Marino and the Autódromo José Carlos Pace at Interlagos, Sao Paolo in Brazil.
Dubbed by enthusiasts as lacking in its overall architecture compared to Sepang, Bahrain or Shanghai, the track itself has undoubtedly proven itself in other ways. Compared favourably with Spa-Francorchamps and Suzuka, the 2005 Turkish Grand Prix took even the best names in Formula One as its prisoners.
The inaugural Turkish Grand Prix in 2005 was the scene of some dramatic action with spins and thrills during the race weekend especially at Turn 8. Likened to the Eau Rouge and the 130R at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Turn 8 features a fast sweeping corner with four apexes similar to the multi-apex sections of the old and notorious Nürburgring.
The circuit is also unique for its location. Billed by the drivers as the “one-lap, two continents” grand prix on the account that the city of Istanbul sits partly in Europe and partly in Asia, one would have to be forgiven for feeling as if they were in two places at once.
The Otodrom Istanbul Circuit is located close to the Sabiha Gökçen International airport and is accessible by road.
BMW Sauber F1 Team on the Turkish GP
Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director:
“We’re very much looking forward to the trip to the Bosphorus, but logistically it’s certainly a challenge. Indeed, it is the GP set furthest away from central Europe to which teams still travel in trucks and motorhomes. They’ve built a top-class facility with a highly successful track design on the Asian side of the buzzing city of Istanbul. If you include Turkey, Formula One will be visiting Asia seven times this year – more than ever before. That shows the importance of the continent.”
Willy Rampf, Head of Engineering:
“The drivers race anti-clockwise at Istanbul Park and the circuit offers plenty of variety and entertainment. There are slow sections where good traction is required. And then there is the spectacular Turn 8, made up of four distinct sections and yet taken in one line at going on for 250 km/h. Given the long – often uphill – straights, the cars must not have too much drag. Good aerodynamic efficiency is the key to setting a good lap time.”
Nick Heidfeld:
“It was freezing at Istanbul in 2008, even though spring had arrived in central Europe. I’m hoping for a bit more luck with the weather this time around. Turn 8 is the jewel in the crown of this circuit. It has several apexes and is long, fast and challenging. All in all I think this is a great track. However, the daily journey to the circuit can take a while and be rather difficult. It is located on the Asian side of the city, and if you’re staying on the European side you have to get through the crowds on the Bosphorus Bridge every day.”
PAST WINNERS:
| Year |
Driver |
| 2007 |
F. Massa (Ferrari) |
| 2006 |
F. Massa (Ferrari) |
| 2005 |
K. Räikkönen (McLaren) |
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