Istanbul Park

Istanbul Park, the venue for the Turkish Grand Prix, is considered as an issue of national interest, since it has put the Eurasian country on the world’s motorsport map. The 5.338km long track is one of only 5 anti-clockwise circuits on the F1 calendar. It became officially operational in August 2005.

Comprising of 14 chicanes, the track has proved to be exigent with its varying gradient and a certain Turn 8 which has garnered prolific attention in terms of driving proficiency. Besides, it has two long straights on the platter to encourage raving speeds.

As mentioned earlier, Turn 8 holds the appeal of the circuit. A swift left-hander and comprising of four apexes it tests the driver physically as it adds to the G force five folds that prove strenuous for the neck muscles. To surmount it technically, a racer has to be cautious as to avoid oversteering and choose the right combination of tyres. It is often compared to 130R of Suzuka, Eau Rouge of Spa-Francorchamps and thrilling multiple-apex turns of Nürburgring when it comes to the feeling of full throttle. Moreover, the gradient is another distinct characteristic as the circuit is elevated on different levels.

The first edition of the Turkish Grand Prix in 2005 had many drivers struggling at the notorious Turn 8 and several of them eventually spun off. Especially significant was Juan Pablo Montoya’s spin at the same place which classified him third in the race giving away the runner-up’s spot to Fernando Alonso. This had an effect on the contest for the year’s world title between the Spaniard and Kimi Räikkönen, intensifying it further.

This was also the circuit where Felipe Massa claimed his first pole position followed by his first ever F1 victory in 2006. In the eventual races that followed at Istanbul Park, Massa became the first Brazilian driver to secure three consecutive wins at the same venue, a feat that was closest to Michael Schumacher’s four consecutive Grands Prix wins at Indianapolis from 2003-06.