2010 Turkish Grand Prix: 28 - 30 May 2010
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2009 DATA:
Length:
5.338 km |
No of Laps:
58 (309.396 Km) |
2009 Pole Position:
S. Vettel - 1:28.316 (Red Bull Racing) |
Lap record:
J. P. Montoya - 1:24.770 (McLaren) |
2009 Fastest Lap:
J. Button- 1:27.579 (Brawn GP) |
2009 Top 8:
1. J. Button (Brawn GP)
2. M. Webber (Red Bull Racing)
3. S. Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
4. J. Trulli (Toyota)
5. N. Rosberg (Williams)
6. F. Massa (Ferrari)
7. R. Kubica (BMW Sauber F1 Team)
8. T. Glock (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.
Technical Review of the Turkish GP
The Turkish GP is amongst the furthest away from central Europe, which affects logistical arrangements for teams that still have to travel in trucks and motorhomes. Logistically within the city, travel to and fro the circuit can take a while due to the heavy traffic. As the circuit is located on the Asian side, travellers from the European side will have to contend with the daily traffic on the Bosphorus Bridge. Technically, 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, the jewel in the crown of this circuit. It is 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.
PAST WINNERS:
| Year |
Driver |
| 2008 |
F. Massa (Ferrari) |
| 2007 |
F. Massa (Ferrari) |
| 2006 |
F. Massa (Ferrari) |
| 2005 |
K. Räikkönen (McLaren) |
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