The Otodrom is the most unique Hermann Tilke design yet. Not only is it anticlockwise, one of five for the year, but it is constructed on four different ground levels with the track undulating itself at various sectors.
Located in Istanbul, it does not follow the standard Tilke pattern – long straights followed by a tight hairpin – as the highlight of the circuit is the notorious multi-apex Turn 8. That single turn is perhaps one of the most challenging high-speed corners in Formula One today. The amount of friction it induces on the rear left tyre is enormous and it would be interesting to watch cars loaded with a full fuel tank negotiating that bend.
The venue for the Turkish Grand Prix will be its sixth instalment in a race calendar. Interestingly, Felipe Massa in his Ferrari has won three of the five events that he has participated here.
With 14 turns and plenty of gradients, the circuit has always produced interesting results despite the fact that last year’s race saw a few empty seats. This time around, however, with the season offering the return of Michael Schumacher, Alonso’s saddle in the Prancing Horse and the internal battle between the McLaren champions, added with the appeal of the infamous Turn 8, the Eurasian track can provide the much-needed vigour.